life-lines
" 'Life' means Christ; hence dying is so much gain." —Philippians 1:21
What is the meaning of life to you? Many people think life is pleasure, enjoyment, or a party. Many people think life is power, getting their own way, and doing their own thing. Some people make their jobs, hobbies, or habits their lives. In effect, many people think: "Life is self."
The truth is: "Life is Christ." When we find and accept the meaning of life, we "live no longer" for ourselves but for Him Who for our sakes "died and was raised up" (2 Cor 5:15). The nature of the Christian life is to deny our very selves and to lose our lives for Jesus (Lk 9:23-24). "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires" (Gal 5:24). Those who have found the meaning of life say: "I have been crucified with Christ, and the life I live now is not my own; Christ is living in me. I still live my human life, but it is a life of faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal 2:19-20). "Life" is Christ, and Jesus is the Life (Jn 14:6; 11:25). Live in Him.
Prayer: Father, may I live in truth and in love.
Promise: "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call Him while He is near." —Is 55:6
Praise: Praise Jesus, risen Truth, Love, and Life!
Reference: (To attend a Discipleship Retreat this fall, choose one or more of the following: Oct 3-4 Call To Holiness: Lifestyle in the Spirit, Oct 4-6 The Holy Spirit, Prophecy, and Renewal, Oct 26-27 Mother/Daughter Camp, Nov 8-10 Proclaiming the Gospel of Life, or Nov 16 Men's Retreat. For more information or to register, call 937-587-5464 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 7, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 12, 2002