Jesus is alive!

This is one of the most radical statements anyone can declare.  This declaration proclaims a fulfillment of a promise from the God of the universe.  The Son of God would die on a cross for our sins, die, and rise again from the dead on the third day.  But the story does not end there.  It actually begins.

Jesus came not only to die so that we can live.  He came to show us how to live life - to flourish, to persevere, to transform.  Jesus spent more of His life on earth teaching people how to live, who to become, and who to BE.  The Master taught us principles on how to have the relationship we always wanted.  He taught us values on how to be a passionate lover.  He taught us principles about finances.  He taught us about a higher morale code than what society can produce.  He taught us the value of what is in the heart of a person, rather than the public facade.  He taught that if anyone is to follow Him, he must bring these principles to life.  In a sense, "resurrect" these values from the dead in our lives, own it, and make it real, and live a life beyond your wildest dreams.

I must emphasize that this is a promise that God can only partially fulfill.  Isn't that amazing?  Jesus's resurrection, and our belief in this truth, does not bring about the life that Jesus wants for us to have!  Even though the Holy Spirit came into our lives, He will do His work, but even THAT is not enough.  God's work must be engaged by an intentionality and choice from us in so many dimensions.  In a sense, God will do what only He can do, but we must do what only we can do.  Believe it or not, we must want it, we must do the work.  For example, if Jesus was tempted in the desert for 40 days, if  Jesus spent 30+ years of his life in preparation for His ministry, we shouldn't expect anything less for us.  Intentionality, choices, and preferences as attitudes we must deliberately make every day, every moment of our lives.  It is a work that we can do, and many of us underestimate that work, especially the work in the places that REALLY need to grow and mature to a fuller potential.

When we do our part, not only can we say that Jesus is alive, but that I'm alive as well!

In what area of your personal life do you want to develop to a fuller potential?