Scripture For Today
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. - Galatians 5:24 NIV
In Galatians 5, Paul contrasts life led by the flesh with life led by the Spirit. He then makes this powerful declaration: those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh. Paul wrote to the Galatian believers as they were learning what freedom in Christ truly meant. They had been rescued by grace, yet they were navigating how to live daily in that new identity. He speaks of a decisive turning point, a life anchored in the finished work of Jesus.
To belong to Christ means your story has been joined to His. When Jesus went to the cross, He bore the weight of sin and broke its authority. Through faith, you are united with Him in that victory. Crucifying the flesh does not mean striving in your own strength. It means agreeing with what Christ has already accomplished and walking in the freedom He secured.
The flesh in Paul’s teaching refers to the old patterns of self-ruled living. These patterns center on impulse, pride, and desire detached from God’s wisdom. When you place your trust in Jesus, a new life begins. The Spirit forms new desires within you, shaping your heart toward what is good, pure, and life-giving. Over time, your responses reflect this inner transformation.
Paul’s words echo the teaching of Jesus, who invited His followers to take up their cross daily. The crossed life is not marked by loss alone. It is marked by alignment with God’s purpose. As you surrender old patterns, space opens for peace, patience, kindness, and self-control to grow. These fruits of the Spirit reflect the presence of Christ within you.
This transformation unfolds through relationship. As you remain close to Christ, His Spirit strengthens you to live from your new identity. Temptations may still arise, yet you are no longer defined by them. You carry the power of resurrection life within you, guiding your choices and renewing your mind.
Belonging to Christ shapes how you see yourself and how you approach each day. You are not striving for acceptance. You are living from it. The cross stands as a reminder that your old life has been addressed and your new life is sustained by grace. This truth builds confidence and steadies your heart.
Paul’s message invites you into daily surrender and daily joy. As you walk with the Holy Spirit, you discover that the crossed life is also the abundant life. Freedom grows as you trust the One who has already secured your victory.
Three Practical Ways To Walk Out This Word Daily
1. Remember Your Identity in Christ
Begin your day by affirming that you belong to Jesus. His victory over sin shapes your present and future. This awareness strengthens resolve and peace.
2. Invite the Spirit to Guide Your Desires
Ask God to align your thoughts and longings with His will. The Spirit nurtures desires that reflect Christ’s character. This practice cultivates steady growth.
3. Choose Obedience in Small Moments
Respond to daily decisions with faithfulness and trust. Each choice strengthens your walk with Christ. Consistent obedience builds lasting freedom.
Closing Encouragement
You belong to Christ, and His cross has secured your freedom. As you walk by the Spirit, new life continues to unfold within you. Trust His grace to guide you, strengthen you, and lead you into lasting peace.