Sometimes I live on the wrong side of the cross and fall prey to old sinful habits. In my helplessness, I long for full redemption. I desire freedom. I don’t want to struggle with anger, pride or jealousy. And yet, I struggle. Just ask my family. They’ve seen me at my worst.
When the stress of life closes in, I can lose it and scream at my kids. I can get impatience while driving and say unkind things such as, “That person shouldn’t be allowed on the road!” Or “I could get out and walk faster than they’re driving.” I’m a pro at complaining and huffing and puffing when things don’t go as expected. Yep. Just ask my kids and they can name all my flaws and then some.
No matter how hard I try, I just can’t change. I wonder if I’ll ever be like Jesus.
Maybe you can relate. Most of the women I talk with do relate. Perhaps the problem is we’ve yet to realize our redemption is already complete.
Think about it. Many of us are trying to live the Christian life by our own power instead of by the supernatural power of God. This is what I call living on the wrong side of the cross.
Sometimes we live there for lack of understanding.
As a young girl, I didn’t fully understand the meaning of my glorious Salvation. I didn’t stop to consider what my salvation cost Christ or even God’s role in the matter. 2 Cor 5:21 states, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” It was the will of God for His Son to suffer and die for our sake.
I’ve heard some say that God turned away when the slime of sin was placed on His Son. But I don’t think God hid His face. I think God was never more please with His Son than that day especially when Christ stated, “I have finished the work which You gave me to do.”
What was finished? The rehabilitation of the human race back to God was finished. Death was conquered. Sin defeated. In other words, redemption isn’t going to be finished. It is FINISHED. We need to start living like it.
When you and I choose to live on the “finished” side of the cross, it’s because we’ve realized we have been redeemed. It’s not something we accomplish by our own effort. That’s like saying Christ suffered and died for parcel deliverance. The rest is up to us. No!
My salvation cost Christ agony that I will never understand, but one thing I know for certain. Christ didn’t go through it all for parcel deliverance. He finished the job. Sin and death have lost their grip on me. When you believe this, you’ll begin to live on the “finished” side of the cross.
Latosha says
Misha, this message is one that I can relate to as well. Thank you for sharing. I just love how God answers prayer through others. I too desire to be on the “finished” side of the cross. Blessings!
Latosha says
I apologize. I meant my comment for “Micca” not Misha.
monique says
redemption is one of the gift to a believer but just like when u dont know something is yours u dont use it. thank u micca for sharing this with us. its time we print it in our minds and stamp it in our hearts so that we dont forget we’ve been redeemed.
Kathy says
It is so refreshing to read your words. I find that many Christians attempt to live the Christian life in their own strength and through a strong will. Living on the other side of the cross is the only way to find God’s power through the Holy Spirit to release our spirit and experience His life. Whenever we resort to our own methods, we can be sure God’s hand will not bless or give us the joy and peace. Wonderful message.
akaluese emmanuel says
Thanks micca: knowing that the other side of the cross holds all the required gadgets to scale through life huddle. Blessing
Jo-Anne says
Feeling very defeated at the moment and in a slump of sorts – defeat makes me feel like God couldn’t love me – but again I’m relying on me I stead of on him and his promises. Thank you for your words of encouragement.