Valuing Christ In Us

As a kid I was taught the value of saving money for planned purchases, not frivolously spending money for items I did not need or want.  I would store loose change in a piggy bank and sometimes deposit money in a bank account.  In those days it was not uncommon for me to make a purchase entirely with change--including pennies!  I remember dumping all the coins out, putting them in stacks that added to one dollar each, and made a mental note of how much I have saved.

Though I was pleased to see the change add up over the time, on many occasions I found something I would gladly trade every single one of them to buy and possess.  After several years of saving money, I almost emptied my bank account to buy a bicycle.  When I washed cars or mowed lawns for cash, part of the reason I was motivated was to finally own a Maui Blue 1987 GT Performer and ride around.  In my mind, a BMX bike was a worthy exchange for those dollars and cents.  Sadly we can adopt a transactional approach toward God, to give only in the expectation of a return--not realising all Jesus has already done and is for us.

In a parable Jesus told, a man found treasure in a field and was glad to sell all he had to buy the field--knowing the treasure was included in the purchase by the unwitting seller.  This man wisely counted the cost and was joyful though it cost him all, for he would gain exponentially more.  Sometimes Christians are unduly focused or concerned about what it means to "deny themselves" or how much they are required to give to follow Jesus.  The answer is sobering for those who value their lives most:  they must give all.  But like a kid who is happy to give all his money in exchange for a bike, the Christian wisely sees only benefit in the life Jesus Christ freely offers those who trust in Him.  Recognising His atoning sacrifice for us outshines every sacrifice we could ever make for God shifts our focus from ourselves and to our glorious Saviour Jesus.

The Christian walk is one of submission and obedience to God, denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily and following Jesus.  This death of self means the life of Jesus can now be lived out in the lives of the spiritually regenerated believer through faith in Christ.  Our old, sinful ways of thinking and feeling corrupted with pride, selfishness and lust can supernaturally give way to the love, mercy and grace of God at work in our hearts.  Even as we prefer an eternal place in heaven for ourselves rather than hell, we ought to desire and value the life of Jesus Christ at work in our own lives today.  Along with Paul we can say, "To live is Christ" because He is in us:  the Son of God Jesus Christ, the hope of glory.  Having experienced the real, lasting and abundant life by faith in Jesus, what of our lives before or since knowing Him can compare?