Personal, Not Religious (Galatians 2:20)

Count the "I"s

Galatians 2:20 shows up on mugs, plates, and DeWayne's men's group hat. Read it slowly and notice how personal it is: I have been crucified with Christ. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The Son of God loved me and gave Himself for me.

Religion versus gospel

Paul had just confronted Peter for slipping back into law-keeping. Religion says climb. The gospel says you're carried, because the work is finished. Paul didn't stop being Paul. He kept his sharp pen and admitted his struggles. What died was the scorecard, the need for someone, even God, to sign off on his performance.

Still Monday

Being crucified with Christ doesn't cancel Monday. The bills and problems are still there. What changes is how you walk through them: by faith in the Son of God.

For me

If a fellow soldier died saving your life, you'd carry that forever. Christ did that for you, by name. One participant said it took him 52 years and an encounter with God to stop trying to earn it, because everything in our culture says achieve.

Try this

• Read Galatians 2:20 out loud and put your own name in it.
• Notice where you're still keeping score with God, and let it go.