ROMANS 14:7-9 – “For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.”

THEME OF THE DAY: HIS POSSESSION FOR HIS PURPOSES.  Jesus said something that is a complimentary truth to today’s scripture – “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it” (Luke 9:24). The common link between the two is a life lived not for ourselves but for the Lord and others. This truth defines all of the Christian life from start to finish – living selfless not selfish.  And this is not something easily obtained and maintained.  In fact, it is a daily battle and that throughout the day.  Such a life is founded on these principles taught by the Lord Jesus – “And He said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”” (Luke 9:23).

Notice where Jesus starts in describing the principles to live the Christian life.  It wasn’t with obedience. That was third – follow me.  Nor was it embracing a life of daily suffering – take up his cross daily.  That was second.  Our Lord states the path of discipleship, of being a follower bearing His name, begins with self-denial or a daily choice to live selflessly not selfishly – let him deny himself.

In living a life of self-denial, the starting point is not to be resolved to live a life of self-denial.   We will make no progress in such a life by simply resolving to live such a life.   It is futile to try and do battle against our selfish flesh in the strength of human self-discipline.  That might take us some distance, but it won’t sustain us.  Our selfishness is too deep, requiring awareness and power greater than ourselves.  So, where does such a life begin?  Today’s scripture.

The Christian life is to be lived knowing the truth of what happened to us at salvation.  The Apostle Paul would expand today’s scripture with these words from his first letter to the Corinthians – “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

What happened at salvation is the Lord Jesus bought us for His sole possession.  Upon conversion, ownership of our lives, total ownership, was transferred to the Lord. He becomes our Master and we, His slaves. He directs our lives. He establishes our priorities.  He captures our affections.  He puts His desires in our hearts.  He moves us to live for His purposes.  And as He does, we become more and more selfless as selfishness gives way to His grace, His love, and a closeness to Him that transforms us into His selfless character.

So, if we are to live the self-denying and selfless life we start with knowing we are not our own, and then we proceed to seek spiritual intimacy with Him who now owns us, and as a result, the joy of selfless life becomes who we are!

PRAYER: Father, may I live my life as it truly is – bought and owned by You for Your always good purposes.

REFLECTION: Joy comes from knowing and living not for ourselves but for Him who bought us for Himself.