Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires (Galatians 5:24).

Crucifixion, as you probably know, is a painful process.

It’s supposed to be.

Crucifixion was not designed to be a quick, merciful death, but to utterly destroy the one being punished.  And it worked beautifully, in all known cases.

You know…except one.

But the offenders did not die immediately.  They lingered for hours, even days, before succumbing to the inevitable.  Death was a given, but still they fought, thrashed, cried out.

So don’t be surprised if your sinful nature still raises its head and calls out to you.  Don’t be surprised if it fights and clings to life.  That’s to be expected.  Just remember–it has been crucified.  Its death is inevitable, no matter how much noise it makes.  And you aren’t required to stand and stare at it in fascination.  You don’t need to answer its piteous cries for help.  You may turn and walk away.

So turn around, Beloved.  Start walking.

Happy Thursday.