A Matter of Death for Life

I've died this death a thousand times. Ever feel that way? Most of us have ongoing circumstances in our lives that produce a sort of death in us. Perhaps they are relationships that cause pain. Perhaps they are just the daily walk we have that requires us to give up something we love in order to attain something greater. Perhaps the circumstance involves both -- a painful relationship that requires us to give up something we love in order to attain something greater. Whatever the case, I think everyone can relate to the feeling of a little part of us dying. Sometimes we take little notice. Sometimes those little "deaths" come so frequently and intensely they become quite painful and we can't help but sit up and take notice!

Recently our pastor has been speaking basically about the need for Christians to live a sacrificial life in order to produce life (see my link for Pastor Phil's blog). We see that principle all around us this time of year -- death producing life, seeds that must die in order to produce beautiful fruit. We also see that principle lived out perfectly in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ, for without His death, eternal life and abundant life would be impossible. John 12:23 -25 , "And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn (seed) of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal." Perfectly said -- death brings life.

When Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:31, "...I die daily," the Greek word translated "die" can mean, "of trees which dry up, of seeds which rot when planted". In the context of Paul's ministry, he poured out his life to the point of death so that the seeds he produced could bring forth much fruit. And they did.

Yes, we have difficult, painful circumstances that sometimes seem to cause "a thousand deaths" within our souls. However, if we can view those circumstances through the scope of eternity, is not the eternal state of the souls of mankind worth those "deaths" we experience? Be not weary in well doing, dear one, for in due season you will reap if you faint not! Die the deaths and watch life spring forth, as beautiful and radiant as the One Who give us Life!