THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK - From Alan - Residing in Christ

A couple of weeks ago during my Oasis talk I asked the question of whether we were residents in Christ or tourists in Christianity. The main focus of my talk was really about how Christlike are we? As we come to the end of Holy Week and we focus on the death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, I continue with that theme.

Easter, both the run up to it, and the events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday, are the basis of our faith. Fundamentally without Jesus’ death and resurrection our faith is on shaky ground at best. However, the reassurance of Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of eternal life gives us a solid foundation for what we believe and how we should live our lives. But I ask the question, do we? Do we truly, live a Christ-like existence? The answer is probably not, but how hard do we try? We know that as human beings we are flawed and prone to sin, but do we try to do as we should? Do we try to live in the Spirit; to follow Jesus’ commands and live in a way that puts God first?

I would be the first to say that I am a failure, but I try. I fall short of those expectations, but thanks to Jesus’ death and resurrection, I know I am forgiven. I don’t need to overly castigate myself and fall into despair, as Jesus died for my sins. But that does not mean I can just continue with sin, no it means I learn, ask Jesus for forgiveness and try to be and do better.

Easter is a time to remember and reflect, that it was my failings and my sin that held Jesus to that cross. That he died for me. And so I pray at this time that I will increasingly live in Jesus and he in me, that I would truly reside in Christ, and that you will join me there. May we know a true relationship with Jesus, may his death be a reminder of what he gave for each of us, and his resurrection be a reminder of the promise of eternal life.

Amen