A Big Deal

It is often true that we sell ourselves short.  We live in such a way that we often deny the possibilities the power of Christ can bring to life in and through us.  We want to be known as a Christian, but when someone takes note of a difference in the way we are living, we tend to speak of that difference as no big thing when the change in us is something Christ is doing.  It is a big thing.  Our life is different after we say "Yes" to Jesus not because of the things we do, but because of what Christ is now able to do in our lives.   

What is often overlooked as we talk about our faith is that life with Christ is not about what we do for Christ, but what Christ is able to do through our life.  In Hebrews 3:1 the Word says, "Therefore brothers and sisters, holy partners in a heavenly calling..."  As those who trust in Christ we are, therefore, holy partners.  The Apostle Peter said much the same thing as he wrote, "But, you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, Gods' own people..." (I Peter 2:9).  There is also that Word from Paul to the church at Corinth that speaks powerfully of our identity as one who lives in Christ, "So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; everything old has passed way; see, everything has become new."  (I Corinthians 5:17).   

Instead of thinking that being a Christian is no big deal, we should understand and accept the fact that it is a big deal.  It is a big deal because our being justified and entering into a relationship of salvation is the result not of our efforts, but of of God's effort to transform our life into a life that allows the heart of Jesus to be seen through us.  When we denigrate being a Christian, we denigrate the cross on which Jesus died.  What Christ did on the cross enables us to be holy partners with God and that is a big deal!