What does "Christ, who is your life" mean for daily Christian living? Christ, the Living Center of Our Existence “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:4) Paul does not say Christ merely gives life; he declares that Christ Himself is our life. This present-tense reality reshapes every ordinary moment. A New Identity, Not a Lifestyle Upgrade • We have died with Christ (Colossians 3:3). • Our real life is “hidden with Christ in God,” meaning it is secure, eternal, and spiritually present now. • Daily living, therefore, flows from who we already are, not from what we are trying to become. Cross-reference: “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20) Daily Implications of Christ Being Our Life 1. Constant Dependence • Just as lungs need air, the soul needs Christ (John 15:5). • Each decision becomes an act of trust: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” 2. Reordered Priorities • Earthly goals submit to eternal ones (Matthew 6:33). • Time, money, and talents aim at pleasing Him who is our very life (2 Corinthians 5:9). 3. Motivated Obedience • We fight sin not to earn life but because Life Himself indwells us (Colossians 3:5-10). • Holiness expresses our new nature, like fruit on a living branch (John 15:8). 4. Unshakeable Security • Circumstances cannot threaten what is “hidden” in God (Romans 8:38-39). • Fearless service becomes possible, knowing our life cannot be lost. 5. Hope-Filled Perspective • Suffering is temporary; appearing with Him in glory is certain (2 Corinthians 4:17). • Joy arises from anticipating the unveiling of the life we already possess. Practicing the Reality Today • Begin and end the day reminding yourself: “Christ is my life.” • Read and meditate on His word; the indwelling Life speaks through Scripture (John 6:63). • Cultivate continual conversation with Him, acknowledging His presence in routine tasks (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Join with believers; His life is expressed corporately in the body (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Serve others sacrificially; the Life within loves through you (Philippians 2:1-5). • Confront temptation by affirming your union with Christ: “That is not who I am anymore” (Romans 6:11). Looking Forward, Living Now Christ’s future appearing will reveal in full what is true in part today. Because He is our life: • We live courageously. • We labor faithfully. • We wait expectantly. “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) |
    |