He came to live in you, even as you lead

Maurie Daigneau Oct. 15, 2020

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In times of turmoil and societal disruption, Christians often find themselves lamenting the continuing delay of our Lord's return. If only the heavens would open and show forth that He is exactly who He declared Himself to be, the only begotten Son of God! But alas, He continues to tarry.

Personally, I have often found solace through these words of Peter: "But do not let this one fact escape your notice … that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (2 Peter 3:8).

As I ponder this timing, I return to what I know is true: time has always been in the hands of God, and His measure has always been eternal in scope. Nevertheless, while we are still among the living, we should have no greater anticipation than for the return of the Lord.

Thus, during this time of extraordinary trial for so many, should we not embrace the hope of His return as a motivation for daily letting the Spirit of the Lord live through us? It is His life that we must constantly endeavor to reflect. Quite possibly it is just such times as these that afford us our best opportunity to validate the reason for our belief in Him (see 1 Peter 1:6-7).

I heard something from the Lord many years ago during a time of my meeting with Him in His word: Maurie, you must understand that I did not do what I did for you just to be the Lord of your life. I did what I did to actually become your life! It is only as you learn to let Me be your life that you will be enabled to find contentment no matter your circumstance.

I remember being flooded with emotion as I repeated those words to myself. He came to become my life … He came to become my life.

In an instant, many familiar verses began to echo in my mind and heart. It was as though I was hearing them for the first time. Here a few of them:

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me" (Gal. 2:20).

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body" (1 Cor. 6:19–20).

"Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on the earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory" (Col. 3:2–4).

Every day we have a choice: are we going to do our own thing, independent of anything or anyone, or are we going to let the Lord do His thing through us?

When we wake up in the morning and immediately start planning or worrying about the difficult circumstances we face, we should remember our main priority: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness …" (Matt. 6:33a).

The kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom. The moment we accepted Christ we were transferred into that kingdom, introduced into the grace of a spiritual oneness with the Lord Jesus Himself. It is what we do with that introduction going forward that becomes the heart of the matter.

Can you imagine, while He is tarrying, how encouraging it would be for many to see the life of Christ shine through you?

As leaders in the community of Christ, let us encourage those we lead to similarly reflect the One who came to become theirlife!

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Maurie Daigneau is a retired business owner/entrepreneur and author of the newly-published book The Gospel You've Never Heard: An Understanding That Will Change Your Life. He has been in a personal relationship with the Lord for more than 50 years, and has committed the balance of his days to sharing the lessons he has learned from the only One any of us is to call “Teacher.” Maurie and his wife, Susie, raised five children of their own and are now the proud grandparents of 13. Learn More »

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