“But may it never be
that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which
the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Galatians 6:14 (NASB)
It would be accurate to say that the cross
was the singular, most defining, life-altering, reality of Paul’s life. No
aspect of his life was untouched by Christ’s atoning death at Golgotha. By
viewing life through the lens of the cross, Paul had become painfully aware of
his past sinfulness. Everything that he had counted on for crediting him
righteous before God was futile and empty. Nothing of his own merit would ever
be worthy of earning God’s approval. Paul also realized that the cross defined
his present; “To live is Christ,” (Philippians
1:21) which meant knowing, pleasing, serving and glorifying Christ, was the
heartbeat of his life - the purpose for which he lived. The cross also determined
his future. If to live is Christ, then “to
die is gain” (1:21). All of life’s hopes and joys were found in Christ, so for
Paul, dying would just add flesh to his faith - his faith would become sight.
The cross defined Paul’s life - his
relationship to God and his relationship to the world. He was crucified with Christ
(Galatians 2:20), which meant that his sins had been forgiven and that his
sinful nature had been nailed to the cross. Never would his life be the same
again. Here in Galatians 6:14 we read that the world was crucified to him and he
to the world. What does this mean? It means that no longer did the world hold
any power or influence over him. In his book Worldliness, pastor and writer C.J. Mahaney says, “He [Paul] didn’t
crave its [the world’s] approval, embrace its values, or covet its rewards.” Paul’s
entire life, including his thoughts, attitudes, actions and behaviors, now
existed for the purpose and glory of God.
What does this mean for us? It means that a
bloody cross stands at the center of our faith. It means that through the lens
of the cross we rightly see our past sin, God’s present grace and His future
glory. It means that in Christ the world is crucified to us and us to it. It
means that no longer are we defined by the world, seduced by the power of the
world, or looking for approval, fulfillment and satisfaction from the world. It
means that all we are and all we need is found in Christ alone.
Friends, it’s a joy to serve with others who understand
the cross. We are His people and we exist for His purpose and glory. Therefore,
“…let us run with endurance the race set
before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…”
Serving Together,
Pastor Brett
