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Scripture
I have been put up on the cross to die with Christ. I no longer live. Christ lives in me. The life I now live in this body, I live by putting my trust in the Son of God. He was the One Who loved me and gave Himself for me.
*Galatians 2.20 (NLV)
Quote
We cannot be saved by seeking just our own individual salvation; we need to look first to the good of others.
*St. John Chrysostom (354-407), On the Gospel of Matthew
Comments
Our placing priority on Christ entails self-emptying. Robert Inchausti, in Seeds, a book of Thomas Merton sayings, writes, “The more we make of ourselves, the less we actually exist.”
To take Christ seriously and keep Him at the center of our lives~this means much more than a doctrine about Christ. Following Christ means making less of our selves. In lessening of self the Spirit of Love, Who is the Holy Spirit, increases Her influence among us.
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In the diminishment of self we discover the freedom and joy of serving One who gave himself for all. This is entering, now, into the mystery of the Passion of Christ, and it means sharing in the Resurrection, now. What a gift!
The selflessness called forth by the Christ, and His example, is stated well by the quote above from Chrysostom~indeed, a concern over my own individual salvation can be a form of focusing on self that is the problem anyway. The person who is right with God best proves it by her yearning that all together become right with God.
Suggested Reflection
In what ways are you growing to make less of your self? Has this led to more joy? Freedom? Explain your answers.
See next page for details on OneLife Ministries, Brian's book An Ache for Union, and material pertaining to sources used in the writing.
Feel free to submit a query on how OneLife Ministries can better serve you. Thanks! Brian K. Wilcox
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