Do You Walk in White?
Jan 15, 2021 at 6:04 AM
Therefore we were buried with him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:4, NIV)
Before believing in Jesus, I lived by my own rules. It seemed like I was in charge of everything.
After believing in Jesus, I began to understand, to some extent, phrases like “baptized into his death,” “take up your cross and follow me,” and “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” These words from God showed me that I must hand over the lordship of my life to Jesus (which, in essence, I never truly possessed or controlled).
This transfer of lordship is a difficult and arduous process. It’s like a defeated general kneeling before the victor, handing over the command. And it must be done willingly and joyfully.
Looking back, there were times when I fully surrendered before God, admitting my own helplessness and emptiness. In those moments, I tasted the “new life” and experienced the eternal feeling of “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Yet, my foolishness, pride, and rebellion inside me keep staging “coups,” attempting to seize this lordship that was never mine. This leads to repeated descents into life’s valleys.
It’s a strange logic: giving up lordship means victory. And it’s victory in a biblical sense—in peace and righteousness.
Thank God for:
Attending the WD event. The sharing from pastors X and Y was very moving. It renewed my understanding on “mission and vision,” “sense of responsibility and mission,” and “being the right person, with the right attitude, doing the right thing.”
Our family experienced relying on God in a particular matter. There was peace and joy. Especially Linda, who initially said, “I don’t want to do this,” but after praying, she felt moved (I believe it’s the Holy Spirit working in her), and even though she still wanted to say, “I don’t want to do it,” what came out of her mouth was “I want to do it,” and she had peace and joy.
Our son, Anran, is going through a rebellious phase. Thank God we can sense it and help him.