Have You Died?

Devotional by Evangelist Tim Green in Baptist Bread

"Likewise reckon ye yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin..." (Rom. 6:11a)

While preaching in Spain in 2010, the good missionary I was with told me of reading George Mueller's secret of success. Mueller was questioned as to why he had such unusual spiritual success. His profound reply was, "There was a day I died." And as he spoke he bent lower and lower until he almost touched the floor, "I died to George Mueller; his opinions, his preferences, his tastes, and will. I died to the world, its approval or censure, died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends, and since then I have studied only to show myself approved to God." My father has often said that he got a divorce from public opinion! The truth of the matter is, that ultimately we only must answer to God. The approval of men is based on bias at best and lack of experience at worst. The approval of our heavenly Father is based solely on holiness. Besides, He is the only One that knows the true motives, secret faults, and He distributes talents as He will. God is the One we must deal with, and He is the One who deals with us.

I am sure that if you picked up one of the thousands of self-help books, or secrets to success tomes that litter our libraries these days, you would be hard pressed to find any that espouse Mueller's plan of success. However, in this case I think I'll side with Mueller. See you at the cemetery!

Remember, "...whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27)

Have You Died?

Written and sung by Abigail Miller

There are so many Christians who name the name of Christ,
Who are washed in Jesus' blood, and are partakers of new life,
But deep inside they struggle with strong, besetting sin,
And they wonder if they'll ever learn the victory to win.

Have you died? Have you signed the warrant for your own execution?
Have you come to the end of self, and all your resolution?
When we finally fail in trying, we will find success in dying,
Have you died that you might live in Christ anew?

Lord Jesus, when You came to earth to give Your life for me,
You faced every strong temptation, but from sin Your life was free.
And if my perfect Savior had to die a cruel death
To obtain my freedom, how can I escape by doing less?

Have you died? Have you signed the warrant for your own execution?
Have you come to the end of self, and all your resolution?
When we finally fail in trying, we will find success in dying,
Have you died that you might live in Christ anew?

The only way to victory is not through strong resolve,
It is not through anything that I can do.
I must learn to see myself upon the cross in Jesus Christ,
And in Him I've resurrected to a pure and holy life.

I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live,
Yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.
And the life which I now live in the flesh,
I live by the faith of the Son of God
Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.

Have you died? Have you signed the warrant for your own execution?
Have you come to the end of self, and all your resolution?
When we finally fail in trying, we will find success in dying,
Have you died that you might live in Christ anew?

When we finally fail in trying, we will find success in dying,
Have you died that you might live in Christ anew?

In the photo: Tundra foliage