Day 17 - Changhee Choi
Is there a specific Bible passage or verse that comes to mind in the context of “Less of Me and More of Him”?
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Our righteousness and steadfastness alone cannot overcome the pressures and temptations of the world. Although I may be able to overcome a few hurdles, it is a natural result that my body and mind will wear out, and I will find myself exhausted. Therefore, I must rely more on the Lord. By knowing and experiencing His love, I will see my weary heart be healed and strengthened, as I fulfill my duty as a child of God who will surprise the world. Lent is a period of remembering the suffering of Christ. I hope and pray that the Lord Christ, who suffered for us, conquered death, and was resurrected, lives in us and guides us to live in love and righteousness.
Briefly explain which areas of your life you find most difficult to surrender to Christ.
It is really hard to let go of my priorities before the Lord. Even though I know in my head that it is a sin to prioritize my pride, joy, and personal relationships over the Lord, I find myself struggling. Of course, because I know what is more valuable, I eventually let go of my priorities. But if this is simply obligatory and to avoid condemnation, my life and faith will inevitably become increasingly burdensome. I pray that the Lord helps me to surrender with joy and a heart of obedience.
Share the areas of your life that have shifted from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness.
My attitude towards the future has changed significantly from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness. When I did not fully rely on the Lord, I was blind to my plans and the preparations to achieve my goals. I had no doubts about my abilities and was proud of them; I never thought that the future I dreamed of would be different no matter the situation I faced. But when circumstances changed unexpectedly and my plans went awry, I became discouraged. Without the help of my family, it might have taken a long time to overcome the feeling of loss and helplessness. At that time, I opened my heart to the Lord and asked many questions. I had many childish complaints about not achieving what I wanted, and many times I cried out of worry about the future. But now I see that the Lord has opened a new path for me in a way I never imagined. The Lord has shown me and my family grace when we were in need. I am no longer pessimistic and frustrated about what is in front of me because I believe that the Lord will use me for His kingdom. Therefore, rather than being afraid of tomorrow that is yet to come, I try to be grateful for what I have received today and live doing my best.
What are some practical ways you can display Christ to those around you?
I believe that honesty is important, so I'm working on handling interactions with others in a wise and honest way. When I feel angry, I try to avoid unnecessary conflicts by thinking twice before I speak, as I tend to use a sarcastic tone that often provokes others, especially my family. Additionally, even though I may not immediately bring my colleagues and classmates to church, I’ve been treating them with love, sharing my personal journey and God’s Word with those who are weary. I try to let them know that they are not alone and that Jesus has given His life for them because He loves them.