Death Unto Life

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

A woman, misty-eyed, stood next to her hospitalized husband who was unmoving and hooked up to machines that were keeping him alive—helping him breathe, keeping his heart going, and another fed him. Suddenly, she said to no one in particular, “That’s not really my husband. That worn-out body housed his spirit. I’ve already released him. The machines are working, but he is gone,”

 Was she right? Was he gone?

 What are the signs? We no longer hold a mirror up to the face for evidence of breath. Is it when the heart or brain or lungs stop working? Interestingly, in the Cairo museum in Egypt, alongside the mummies of pharaohs are placed three urns—each containing the heart, brain, or lungs. So even in ancient Egypt, these three were considered the vital signs of life.

 We might look at spiritual life in a similar fashion. That is, when faith is fully dependent on somebody else or on the external machine of religion; when faith loses its heartbeat of concern for others; when faith stops stretching the brain and challenging the mind or when faith loses the Spirit-breath of God—then we are in trouble. We are spiritually dead!

 Maybe it’s time for a check-up. How would we stack up? Could we make it, apart from the external machinery of religion? Do we have a healthy, loving heartbeat of concern for others? Do we have active brain waves that grow spiritually every day? Do we have in us the Spirit-breath of God?

 Whatever the prognosis, the Good News of our faith is resurrection! We can come alive again. God can reawaken the vital signs of life within us, today. The first step of his cure is simply a prayer away.

 All powerful God, savior and redeemer of my soul, forgive me. Help me to live in the light of your love. Give me faith to sustain me and wisdom to choose the path of righteousness at every turn. I know my weakness—show me your strength. Then help me to do the things I was intended to do; all the while praising you and giving you the glory. Not my will, but your will be done.  Amen

 Then, just talk to God. Tell Him what is on your heart. And if words are not enough, ask Him to listen to your heart.