Throughout my time at Logos, I’ve had the opportunity to be discipled by Pastor Serge, Pastor Tom and Pastor Marco, otherwise known as “The Trinity of Beards and Brass”. Seriously though, they’ve knocked some spiritual sense into me a good amount of times. I truly believe the beauty and purpose of those experiences was discovering the urgency to understand the essence of the Gospel. In the weekly trenches of discipleship, they emphasized this verse:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
In studying this verse, I was finally able to gain a little more perspective and verbalize it in my own words. See, in Christ, I am merely a reflection, a vessel operating through a heart that is no longer my own. A cadaver brought back to life to worship God at his feet. Once dead, now fully alive by our resurrected Christ the King. And in that understanding, I can start believing that I am truly different not because I am a better version of myself, but because Jesus Christ now dwells within me. So whatever ounce of humility I’ve acquired, and continue to acquire, solely comes from Jesus. As I begin to embrace the graceful rising within me, I notice that I am sincerely loving and intentionally caring towards others with the Gospel as my source of love, grace, and humility.
One aspect this verse has proven to be true is within the friendships in life. After singing in the Praise & Worship team for two years, I had stepped down early last year. And in that time, Jon Corya stepped up because there was a need. Fast forward to several months ago, I was slowly integrated back into the team but deliberately resisted getting to know Jon because of my pride. My approach towards getting acquainted with him was out of that pride and arrogance. I was letting my sin dictate the course of our friendship. I knew I had to repent and be reminded of Galatians 2:20. By repenting, I was able to begin this genuine friendship with Jon. I came to find out he is an amazing Husband and Father! He Loves his Job! And he is definitely a great singer! Much of our dialogue ends with laughter because of how much I enjoy being around him. Some people have taken notice of our bro-mance, but I seriously can only thank God for revealing His truth through Jon in understanding how to live out this particular scripture alongside my friend.
I have security in the fact that my heart has died and Jesus replaced it with His beating life-source in my chest. And because of that truth, I can now view my relationships as gospel-centered opportunities to further God’s Kingdom!
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