I have been crucified with Christ. I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not one of those who treats the grace of God as meaningless.
For if we could be saved by keeping the law, then there was no need for Christ to die.
Galatians 2:20-21
“The words of our Lord are often swords, quick and 
powerful, and sharper than any two-edged blade.
And sometimes they are pearls–or even like tiny seed pearls, easily overlooked. But how beautiful when they are found!
His words about we who are called to be lights in this world are precious seed pearls:
Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:15-16)
The candlelight will even shine through the windows on the people who pass by in the street outside. In one of the Indian hospitals, there was at one time just such a “candle”…
One day, in this woman’s hearing, something was said to a younger helper which almost drew from her a flashing, angry remark. But at that moment, a word was spoken to her inwardly: “See in this, a chance to die.”
And though spoken inwardly, it was far more clearly heard than many a word addressed to the outward ear.
“See in this”–this provoking, this rebuke that should not have been–“a chance to die” –to self, and the pride that comes from defending self.
“See in anything“–anything that rouses you to claim you “rights,” or even to consider them at all–“a chance to die.”
Welcome anything that calls you to your only true position “I have been crucified with Christ…” (Galatians 2:20)
A crucified life cannot be self assertive. It cannot protect itself.Â
It cannot be startled into resentful words. The cup that is full of sweet water cannot spill bitter-tasting drops, however sharply it is knocked.” ((Amy Carmichael, Gold by Moonlight, p. 80-81))
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