The choice to die

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

I want to die today …
To the part of me that would rather stay busy with my nice, tidy life than show compassion for the hurting.
To the part of me that would rather tuck myself in with more warm, fuzzy comforts than give my things away until it hurts.
To the part of me that likes a life that is all about me – who can’t see past the lens of me, myself and I.
To the part of me that loses my temper at my little ones and whose adult sized fits resemble that of the youngest.
To the part of me that needs your attention – to the affirmation whore who performs for applause and words of approval.
To the part of me that chooses a tough outer shell for fear of vulnerability.
To the part of me that won’t forgive myself for not having it all together – to the spiritual perfectionist that is disappointed every time I let her down.
To the part of me that uses words as a weapon instead of applying them carefully as a soothing balm.
To the part of me that makes assumptions about you – to the part that judges and puts people in boxes with pretty labels.

I want to die to her today so that Jesus can live instead. Participating in the Great Exchange (His life for mine) is what’s it all about and the choice is up to me.
Will I choose to live this day for me … or choose Jesus and experience a life renewed.

Today’s challenge: The sound of the alarm rings to remind us it’s time to choose. Tomorrow, when you hear it, what will you decide? A life consumed with self or one that joyfully yields to Jesus?