Crucified to the World – What does that Mean?

Descipleship

14But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

– Galatians 6:14
(NASB® © 2020)

 

What does this verse mean practically?

We imagine a crucifixion in ancient times. A condemned criminal is hanging on the cross, facing imminent death. It is obvious: he will not invite any of the bystanders to his home – and no one will invite him back. Why not? Because everything around him is already dead to him, just as he is already a dead man to everyone else.

The application is not difficult: if we practically realize that we are crucified with the Lord Jesus (as Paul writes: Gal 2:19), this has two consequences for us:

  1. The world is dead to us. We realize that the world, which crucified our Lord, feels the same way about us. So we can no longer do anything with it. Clear devotion to Christ helps us to have the right relationship with the world.
  2. We are dead to the world. Once it realizes where we stand, it will give us a wide berth. Radical devotion helps us to make sure that the world has the right relationship with us.

A word to young people: If you are repeatedly invited to morally questionable parties by unbelieving school or university friends, or if an unbelieving person of the opposite sex keeps flirting with you, it will be helpful to take a clear position and take a stand. The first time you can stammer “I’m afraid I can’t today”, and the second time a “Sorry, I have other plans” will help. But after a while, it becomes difficult to find excuses. But once you’ve said it two or three times: “I can’t do this or that because I’m a Christian”, then the temptations will stop automatically. Then the world will see: “OK, this person is dead”.

Have the courage to take the side of the crucified one!

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