Hello ,

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” — Epistle to the Galatians 2:20

In the mid-20th century, a young man named Chuck Colson rose to prominence in American politics. As part of the administration of Richard Nixon, Colson was known as a fierce political operator. Reporters once described him as someone who would do almost anything to win. But during the fallout of the Watergate scandal, Colson’s life took an unexpected turn. Facing the collapse of his career and eventual prison time, he encountered the message of Christ in a deeply personal way.

Those who knew him before and after often said the change was unmistakable. The same man who had once been known for ruthless ambition began dedicating his life to prison ministry and helping incarcerated men rebuild their lives. Something fundamental had shifted.

That kind of transformation is exactly what the apostle Paul describes in Galatians 2:20. When a person truly enters into a relationship with Christ, life is no longer centered around the same priorities, motivations, or identity. Paul describes it in striking terms: the old self is crucified, and a new life begins.

This doesn’t mean a person becomes perfect overnight. Human weaknesses and struggles remain. But the center of gravity changes. The direction of life changes. Instead of living primarily for personal ambition, reputation, or comfort, the believer begins to live with a different compass.

Christ begins to live in them.

Throughout Scripture, the life of faith is described not merely as belief but as transformation. Jesus spoke about a tree being known by its fruit. In other words, genuine connection with Him eventually shows itself in the way a person lives. Character begins to reflect the influence of the One being followed.

This transformation often unfolds quietly. It appears in small decisions — choosing honesty when dishonesty would be easier, choosing kindness when anger feels justified, choosing humility instead of pride. Over time, these choices reshape a person’s character.

A relationship with Christ is not simply about adding religion to life. It is about allowing God to reshape the very foundation of who we are.

The remarkable promise of the gospel is that God does not merely forgive the past; He begins forming a new future. The old patterns that once defined us no longer have the final word. Through Christ, a different kind of life becomes possible — one guided not by the old self, but by the presence of Christ working within us.

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word