Death - Service

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"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the
ground and die, it abideth alone, but if it die, it bringeth forth
much fruit."  John 12:24

Death!  All kinds of revolting thoughts and feelings accompany the
idea of death.  Yet, the Bible continually exhorts us to die to the
old man.  Just what does that mean, "Die to the old man?"  Does that
mean I am to have no fun?  Could it mean that I am only to pray and
never to exercise or have hobbies?  I believe death means something
more sacrificial than not having any fun or only praying.

I believe it means a life of absolute service to the Almighty King.

Paul said that he was a bondservant to Jesus Christ.  He decided
that life was only worth living in the kingdom of God.  He learned
that real joy and love only comes from a life of absolute service to
the greatest power known to man, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians is such an upbeat book.  It is full of uplifting thoughts.
Sandwiched between verses of praise and promises of power is the key
to the whole book.  Chapter 2 begins by introducing us to the life of
Christ, our example.  Jesus Christ accomplished the greatest victory
in the kingdom of God because he willingly sacrificed everything the
Father asked.  Not one time did Christ withhold his time or life from
the Spirit's leading.  He was willing to sacrifice all.  It was
because of this willingness he was able to confidently say that if a
corn of wheat would die, it would produce much fruit.

History and the church testify to the fruit of Christ's death.  He
prophesied it would happen.  He also prophesied that if you will
sacrifice your time and life, you will produce much fruit.  No one but
the master knows what will happen when you truly give all.  He
joyfully awaits your answer.  He only expects to hear one answer.  He
only expects to speak one reply.  Your answer is, "Yes."  His reply
is, "Well done."

Christ proved that death does bring life.  Your life of death will
prove to those around you that He is still alive.  Death does produces
life.

God Bless You,
Ben Kimbrell