According to the calendar, Resurrection Day (Easter Sunday) happens just once a year. But it’s something we would do well in observing every day of our lives.
The culmination of Holy Week, Resurrection Day unites believers the world over, in celebration of a risen Christ who died for our sins and triumphed over death. For this we rejoice, because we have a hope. We have a future. And we will live with our Lord for eternity. Amen!
So why then, during the other 364 days, don’t we live as though we know and believe this with our whole hearts?
Well, if it made us feel more comfortable and was easier, then we probably would. I mean, really. Do you wake up every single morning and remember to thank God first thing that he canceled your debt? Paid for your sins? Wiped your slate clean?
For me, it doesn’t immediately come to mind as I’m reaching to turn off my alarm. No, I’m usually thinking first of hot coffee. Second, a toasted bagel, second. Third, a quick trip down the hall to the smallest room (which shall remain nameless) in my house.
But my humanity and forgetfulness do not excuse my sinfulness and my lack of devotion to a risen Lord. So, what should really be going on is a daily observance of Resurrection Day in my heart: Christ died for me. Now, how will I live for him TODAY?
It's not easy for any of us to live in light of this event that changed history for all humanity. We are all sinners (Romans 3:23) and it is far easier to stay in the shadows than to face that truth.
Many Christian teachers have noted recently how singles in the church especially find this especially hard. We don’t have the up-close-and-personal contact that spouses have with each other, even our roommates don't see our true selves all the time. In Sacred Marriage, author Gary Thomas writes, “What marriage has done for me is hold up a mirror to my sin. It forces me to face myself honestly and consider my character flaws, selfishness, and anti-Christian attitudes, encouraging me to be sanctified and cleansed and to grow in godliness.”
Ouch. No one likes to be exposed, to have the bandages and scabs ripped off. But whether we are single or married, this is how healing begins. Infection must be identified and treated. New skin covers what has been restored. Only when we are restored are we part of the Bride of Christ – a group that marrieds and singles both belong to.
Considering ourselves in light of the Resurrection helps us live in this vulnerability. Living for Christ in response to what he has done for us means that the Holy Spirit must be up-close and personal, at work in our lives. He both circumcises and comforts so that we will live vibrant and healthy lives for Christ.
But what will it take for that to happen? How can we learn to die to self? With 1 Corinthians 15:56-58 as our guide, we can learn to live out every day in light of Resurrection Day. Here are seven ways to get started …
When you closely examine your own sinfulness, that’s when you realize what’s really going on in your heart. It’s very easy to think “I’m a good person.” But are you? Really? If others knew your thoughts and motives, would they think the same? When the Holy Spirit goes to work in our lives, he exposes and convicts us so that we will change.
He is God. And we are not. In your day-to-day decisions, how often do you consult your heavenly Father? Is it just a weekly occurrence in prayer time, at Bible study, or in your Sunday School class? Or an infrequent, arrow prayer whenever you’re in a jam and need some speedy heavenly help? What would your life look like if you submitted everything to God at all times?
Do you begin each day with thanksgiving? When you wake up, do you immediately count your blessings? When you grumble and complain, do you try to counteract that by focusing on the good in your life? Will you choose to count everything joy because God is God, and he is Jehovah Jireh?
"The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:56-58)
What are your current debts? A mortgage? A car note? School loans? If someone paid off your costliest obligation, how would you feel? What about the One who has paid the biggest amount of all—your spiritual debt? You could never pay for it yourself. So give your worship, adoration, and praise to the risen Lord who has. He died in your place, and his blood has covered your sins.
What gets you off course in your life? Certain friendships? Entertainment choices? Emotional issues? Bad habits? What obstacles are getting in your way and preventing you from living a life that responds to the Resurrection? Remember that in Christ, you are a new creation. You are no longer dead in your transgressions. Leave the past behind, throw off whatever hinders you and live for Christ!
God put us first. He gave us his firstfruits, his son Jesus Christ who died for our sins. What are your firstfruits to God? What are you giving him as a sign that your life belongs to him? Do your priorities, your schedule, and your checkbook reflect your desire to put him first in your life? Do they show that he is Lord of your life?
“You’re so heavenly minded, and you’re no earthly good.” Yes, it takes effort to not get lost in the clouds and to put hands and feet to our faith. What we do here on earth does matter, so do pursue the eternal while doing some earthly good. What is your part in reaching others with the Good News? Are you following Christ’s example of devotion to you (on the cross) as you serve others?
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" (Gal. 2:20-21)
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/kckate16
This article is part of our larger Holy Week and Easter resource library centered around the events leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and story behind important Christian holidays and dates and encourage you as you take time to reflect on all that God has done for us through his son Jesus Christ!
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What Is Palm Sunday?
What is Maundy Thursday?
What Is Good Friday?
What Is Easter?
What is the Holy Week?
Easter Prayers