CiCi's Space

Happy Easter dear readers! While children look forward to Easter baskets filled with candy, new outfits for church and egg hunts afterwards, Im excited about what the day represents for Christians: eternal life! It’s because of the resurrection, Jesus conquering death, that I will live forever beyond this earthly realm. “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25-26). While I cannot imagine the beauty of it all, the moment that I take my last breath on this side, I am in the presence of Jesus. “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). I can only see myself bowing at His feet in worship.

I watched “The Passion of the Christ” again a few weeks ago. I had to fast forward through the graphic scenes. It brought tears to my eyes and that was just a movie. What a price that He paid for us to be saved from our sins! Im most grateful. A few days ago I went to a Good Friday service: “The 7 Last Sayings of Jesus”. There were seven different ministers giving a sermonette. One minister referenced Matthew 5:24 which instructs us to be reconciled to someone before offering any gifts at the altar. This is speaking of how we manage our offenses. While each minister shared a different passage, the one thought that resonated with me is ‘pure worship’. My prayer “Lord, make me pure”.

How often we can go through the motions of worship! We can quote scriptures, sing enthusiastically, raise our hands in worship, and still have impure thoughts toward the person across the aisle. On this resurrection Sunday, may I encourage you to do some self reflection. Are you mad at anyone? Is there anyone in your life that you’re expecting an apology from? If so, I would encourage you to make the first move to keep your own peace. Please don’ t allow pride to keep you from making amends. In my opinion, being right is highly overrated. Jesus was forgiving those that crucified him while He hung on the cross! With the help of the Holy Spirit, I want to follow His example every day of my life. I am convinced that His way is the best way to live.