You Don’t Need a Resurrection, You Need to Stay Dead!

We celebrate the resurrection power of Jesus Christ every day, all day. However, is there a point where too much ‘resurrection’ is a bad thing?

The Problem with Liberal ‘Resurrection’

Think about it. Applying the concept of resurrection too liberally can cause problems. As I was reflecting on Jesus’ resurrection, it hit me – some stuff just needs to stay dead and buried. And, if you find it still moving or wiggling around, if it still has a faint heartbeat, you need to whack it again! Because if you can resurrect it, you didn’t kill it right the first time!

So, what are we talking about? See that toe tag above? The Old You. The Old Me. Our BC Selves (before Christ). The stuff we’ve died to in order to live an abundant life in Jesus Christ.

When’s the last time you visited the tomb where you buried that old mean, manipulative, [insert your old stuff] person you used to be? Is the tomb still sealed, or is he or she outside the tomb with you, and both of you are staring at an empty grave?

Team, we can’t leave sin coughing with a few specks of dirt in its lungs – we have to kill it. We can’t leave unforgiveness with a faint heart beat – we have to kill it. We can’t simply leave hatred, addiction, depression, fear, disobedience unconscious – we have to kill them. Why?

Because we don’t want sin, negative vices, those areas in our lives we’ve worked so hard to grow away from and change, to be resuscitated and wreaking the same old havoc in our lives all over again!

Let the Killing Spree Begin!

So, how do we kill the “Old Me”, like, again and again?

Be honest.

If you see your Old Self hopping down the street in grave clothes, don’t lie to yourself saying, “Nope, that’s not me.” Umm ma’am/sir, yes it is! Denial only keeps sin alive, because we won’t be honest, tell the Truth, call the issue out, and deal with it.

Be Unashamed.

When the Old You pops up, don’t let it shame you or shrink you into non-action. It’s a trick of the enemy to convince you that you’re alone, you’re the oddball out, or that you’re the only one dealing with ‘dying to Self’. Trust and know that we are all working on our flesh/humanity, and the Holy Spirit is right there leading and guiding us into Truth (John 16:13).

Be Direct.

Don’t play around, go out to lunch, catch up on “old” times with the Old You. The Old You is not your friend! It is an enemy of God’s predestined purpose for your life. Tell that Old You “you have GOT to go; you are no longer welcomed here!”

Be Intentional.

Now, begin to LIVE with every intention of being the NEW You Jesus died and rose for you to be. Be conscious of your thoughts and feelings; actively replace contrary behaviors with behaviors, thoughts, and habits that align with the Word of God.

Be Proactive in Prayer.

Ever do something the Old You used to do and wonder, “Where did that come from?” We have to be proactive and ask God for wisdom and guidance to maintain our walk before we find that Old Self resurrected again. While God is able to help us if/when this happens, wouldn’t it be so much better to live a life of intentional living, to prayerfully pursue our best selves, all with confidence and reliance on God?

So, What’s the Play Call?

Stay dead. As we continually honor the risen Savior, we’re comforted to know that Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, one time, fuels our faith to keep the “Old Me” dead as a nail. That is my intention…yours too?