Jesus Makes the Difference

“Christ liveth in me…” —Galatians 2:20

The story is told of a man who lived in a dark, forbidding house by the side of the road. He was rude, crude, bitter, and selfish.  One day he died, and another person moved in—a totally different person. Little by little, everything about the place changed.  A welcome mat was put out, and visitors opened the door to a flood of light, a sweet and inviting atmosphere.  Music filled the place, and peace surrounded it.

Keep that picture in mind as you read what Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20— “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”  Do you see the parallels? The house looks the same. In many respects, the house is the same. But the atmosphere has totally changed. Darkness has become light. Selfishness has become generosity. Bitterness has become peace.

So it is with us. Because of Christ’s cross, God’s love and care flow into our lives, clearing out the muck and flooding the dark corners with the light of Christ. His forgiveness and kindness flows, flows, and flows into our lives. Then, that mercy and kindness begin to overflow from our lives into the lives of others. We discover that we have limitless care to share—care and compassion that are Christ’s own! The “old me” has died, and now Christ Jesus himself lives his holy life in me and through me!