Reflection
The Disciple's Journey — Liberation From Self
Crucified with Christ — the death of self and the life of Christ in us.
Published: 8 June 2026
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20, KJV
“Self” is a slave master. Constantly demanding its rights, asserting its importance, defending its image, sneaky in getting what it wants, and constantly opposing the Spirit of God.
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:17, KJV
Writing down the misunderstandings we have had — or still have — about the reality that we are crucified, dead, and buried with Christ will be tremendously helpful in seeing yourself as you are: a new creation in Christ.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV
Charles Spurgeon calls this truth “our white funeral” and asks: Have you been to your own funeral yet?
Resting in the finished work
We have to learn to see that we are already buried in the grave. There is no need to waste any effort on ourselves. The Lord's work is perfect. The blood of His Son Jesus has cleansed us from all sins. Our conscience is at peace. There is no need to be nervous. You have to rest in the Lord.
Do not be a living person who constantly deals with a dead corpse. The Lord is your holiness, and there is no need to seek holiness in yourself or to deal with yourself any longer. You have to accept the perfection that is in Christ.
Do not struggle to improve yourself. Even if you are wrong, there is no need to be anxious. You cannot control your self. Let go of the self. Let go, and you will be anxious no longer. If you keep your eyes on yourself, not on the perfection you obtained in Christ, you will never have the rest.
— Watchman Nee
Lord, teach us to see ourselves as crucified with Christ — dead to self, alive to You. Give us the grace to stop striving and to rest in the perfection we have in Your Son. Let Christ live in us today. Amen.