Dead or Alive

“For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.” (Romans 14:8 ESV)

Scripture can sometimes be confusing. We may struggle to understand what the writer meant or implied. We often read many verses before and after to understand the circumstances in which the author was placed when writing the verse. Was he in jail? Was he preaching? Was it to believers, or were they speaking to unbelievers? All of these things can help us grasp what the inspired words mean.

However, Paul's meaning in this verse from Romans is unmistakably clear. There is no need for extensive research or additional reading to understand what Paul is telling us. It is all about living a Christ-centered life, a life that is not complicated or burdensome. A life for Christ is a life that has a purpose without trying. A life that is full without effort, and a gift of salvation for we who are not worthy.

Paul speaks of our salvation in Christ. If we live Christ-centered lives, placing the Lord above all things, we live to the Lord. “If we live, we live to the Lord.” When we live Christ-centered lives, we live as close to Christ as possible. Yes, we sin, but we then repent. We strive to be the good servant. We serve out of love and devotion, not vanity or recognition. Living our life for Christ means, “If we die, we die to the Lord.”  Either way, we live and die to the Lord in the Christ-centered life.

Paul also wrote, “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,”  (Colossians 2:13). We cannot live our best life now, we do not need a makeover, no makeup can cover up a corpse to make it seem alive. Those outside of Christ are in need of a resurrection just as we were in need of the very same thing.

Preach the gospel, teach the gospel, and spread the good news. The gospel's transformative power is a beacon of hope and inspiration to the world's lost. Just as you and I did, they, too, can come to know the Lord through those who speak the word to them.

Grace and Peace!