The worn sepia-toned handbill nailed to fence posts and trees in Western movies sought the return of the pictured fugitive – dead or alive. In Romans 6, God has posted a new notice. He wants believers dead AND alive. On its face, this is a vexing problem! But as with many aspects of the Christian life, dying and living require choice.

For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.

Romans 6:10

People don’t talk much about sin these days. It’s much too uncomfortable. But its power within you has influenced your entire life. When you accepted the death of Christ as sin’s payment, that power was replaced with new life.

Does that mean you’ll never sin again? No. That capacity remains. But you are to live as dead to sin but alive to God. You can check how alive you are by taking your spiritual pulse. Are you immersed in His Word…reading, studying, applying? Are you praising and praying…improving your communication with God? Do you keep a record of His faithfulness?

As you focus on drawing closer to Him, intercede for the men and women of America’s government to find their own new life in Christ.

Recommended Reading: Romans 6:5-14