1 John 3:14 we have relocated from a system of dead works into the dynamic of authentic life in the way we love the family. Love is life; not to love is death. (TMB)

Do you still have some dying to do?

In this warfare, how you react in any situation is an indicator of your relationship with Christ. A sign of your salvation is our love for God, and for your fellow man. If you cannot show love, then you are not alive in Christ; you still have some flesh to crucify. How can you say you love God whom you have not seen and not love your fellow man whom you see every day? It’s a significant question. 

1 John 4:20-21 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates (works against) his brother or sister he is a liar; for the one who does not love his sister or brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should also [unselfishly] demonstrate love to others and seek the best for them. (AMP, edited)

There are some questions you can ask yourself to see if you have or still need to crucify your flesh:

• Am I praying sincerely and consistently? 

Not those quick prayers in the morning, over your food and when you are going to work. Are you praying prayers of submission and acknowledgement of God’s control and will over your life?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always and delight in your faith; 17 be unceasing and persistent in prayer; 18 in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (AMP)

• Am I reading and studying the word every day? 

You cannot only read the Bible like you would a novel if you want to be transformed. Reading begins the process. However, you have to study if you want to apply the scripture to your life.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. (AMPC)

• Am I living a lifestyle of repentance? 

Yes, God does know your heart and He will forgive you. However, telling Him about your sins and asking for forgiveness is for you. It is not a onetime thing; it is what you do every time you sin. You confess, not only to be forgiven; you confess because it will release the pain you feel as you admit to the Father you have done wrong. 

Psalms 51:3-4 For I’m so ashamed. I feel such pain and anguish within me. I can’t get away from the sting of my sin against you, Lord! Everything I did, I did right in front of you, for you saw it all. Against you, and you above all, have I sinned. Everything you say to me is infallibly true and your judgment conquers me. (TPT)

• Am I including God in everything? 

Do you have some things you ask God about and some that you decide to handle on your own? How is that working for you?

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (NLT)

• Am I choosing God every day and in every circumstance? 

Deuteronomy 30: 15-16 “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess.” (NKJV)

• Am I doing what the word says or am I just reading it?

James 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth]. (AMP)

• Am I consistent or am I with Him only when things are going the way I want them to?

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose]. (AMP)

Are still weighing your love choices based on what you want and what may prove beneficial to you and your plans? Your plan is not foolproof. You are not omniscient. If you are choosing you, there is still more dying for you to do. There are times you give yourself reasons for choosing what you want. Whatever those reasons are, they are not valid in Christ. Your actions may not cause you to pause; however, they do not show the love of God. In addition, they reflect poorly on The One you profess to serve. Whatever happens, God’s wishes for you do not change. It’s easy to love, give, and serve when things are going the way you think they should. When things are going to the left and you do not respond with love; you still have some dying to do.

Please agree with me as I pray. Then ask the Lord what your prayer should be and wait for His response:

Father, You have shown me that Your love surpasses my understanding. I repent for pretending like I don’t understand the type of love and life You require, because I do. Please forgive me. You taught me by allowing the death of Your Son for me. Understanding it and walking in it are two different things. Show me what stands in my way. Expose what is in my heart that keeps me from being an example of You. I want to live like You require; not just when things are going how I think they should go. I want the world to see You and not me when I am being tested. I want to love the ones who mistreat me; who I have mistakenly called unlovely; and who act like they don’t want love. I want to live a life of love that mirrors the love You give me…

Ask the lord what he wants to say to you about today’s devotional and journal it here: