The Crucified Life

Living in the Power of the Cross

“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
— Galatians 2:20

So, what Does It Mean to Live a “Crucified Life”?

In the Christian faith, living a crucified life means dying to your old, selfish nature — the part of you that pursues its own desires, pride, and ambitions — in order to live a new life focused on Christ. It is the daily choice to surrender your will to God’s, to put aside the desires of the flesh, and to walk in obedience to the Spirit.

Just as Jesus was crucified on the cross to bring salvation, we too are called to “crucify” our old nature so that the life of Christ may live within us. The apostle Paul expressed this clearly:

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
— Galatians 5:24

This “crucifixion” is not physical but spiritual — a continual process of surrendering self-centeredness to make room for the presence and purposes of God.

It means, dying to the Old Life

Our old self is the person we were before Christ — living for personal pleasure, pride, and self-interest. This life was shaped by sin and the values of the world. Examples of the “old self” include:

• Selfish ambition: living only for success, approval, or comfort.
• Pride: relying on one’s own strength and wisdom rather than God’s.
• Greed and lust: seeking fulfillment in material or sensual pleasure.
• Bitterness or envy: allowing resentment to shape the heart.

Paul describes this clearly:

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
— Colossians 3:5

When we surrender these to Christ, He replaces them with His own character — humility, purity, generosity, and love.

Focusing on the Heavenly

A crucified life shifts focus from earthly things to heavenly things.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”
— Colossians 3:2–3

Example:
An earthly focus is consumed with appearance, success, and comfort — asking, “What benefits me?”
A heavenly focus asks, “What honors God?” and seeks eternal values — faith, love, righteousness, and service.

To live crucified with Christ means to prioritize God’s kingdom above all else (Matthew 6:33).

(Your) Identification with Christ

Living the crucified life is an act of identifying with Jesus — not only in His death but also in His resurrection.

“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
— Romans 6:4

When you identify with Christ, you acknowledge that His death was your death — the death of your sinful nature. And His resurrection becomes your resurrection — the birth of a new, Spirit-filled life.

Example:
When you forgive someone who has hurt you, you die to pride and vengeance and instead live out the resurrection power of grace and love — just as Christ forgave us.

(Your) Renewal and Transformation

A crucified life leads to transformation. Through the Holy Spirit, the believer’s heart and mind are renewed.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
— Romans 12:2

The Spirit works within us to shape us into the image of Christ. Old habits are replaced by new virtues — the fruit of the Spirit:

“Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
— Galatians 5:22–23

This renewal is not achieved by human effort but through surrender — allowing God to work in us daily.

Victory Over Sin

The cross represents the victory of Christ over sin and death. By embracing the crucified life, believers live in that same victory.

“For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”
— Romans 6:14

When temptations arise, you remind yourself that your old nature was crucified with Christ. You no longer have to obey sin — you now belong to Him who conquered it.

Taking Up Your Cross Daily

Jesus said plainly:

“If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”
— Luke 9:23

Taking up your cross is not a one-time act, but a daily choice:

• Deny yourself: Subordinate your desires to God’s will. (Matthew 16:24)
• Guard your heart: Be watchful over your thoughts. (Proverbs 4:23)
• Reject sinful thoughts: When judgmental, proud, or lustful thoughts appear, reject them before they take root. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
• Serve in love: Choose to love and serve others, even when it’s inconvenient or painful. (John 13:14–15)
• Trust in Jesus’ strength: You are never alone — Christ carries you. (Matthew 11:28–30)

Taking up your cross is the pathway to true freedom and peace, because it leads to fellowship with Jesus Himself.

The Difference Between Christians Who Take Up Their Cross — and Those Who Don’t

Those Who Take Up Their Cross Those Who Don’t Live in radical discipleship, submitting fully to Jesus’ lordship. Live by their own desires, often prioritizing comfort and success. Experience a daily struggle but also daily victory through surrender. Avoid struggle, but remain bound by sin and worldly desires. Are willing to lose their earthly life for Jesus’ sake. Try to “save” their life and lose their eternal reward. (Luke 9:24) Bear the fruit of the Spirit. Produce the works of the flesh. (Galatians 5:19–23)Find true joy, peace, and eternal life. Miss the fullness of discipleship and spiritual fruit.

Jesus warned:

“Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will find it.”
— Matthew 16:25

The Fruit of the Spirit vs. The Works of the Flesh

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, hatred, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness…”
— Galatians 5:19–21

A life that refuses the cross is driven by the flesh — self-centered, unstable, and separated from God.
But a life led by the Spirit bears fruit that glorifies God and brings peace to the soul.

“Blessed is the one… whose delight is in the law of the Lord… That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.”
— Psalm 1:1–3

Living the Crucified Life Today

To live a crucified life is to live in faith, love, and surrender.
It means saying every day, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

You may face hardship, rejection, or inner battles — but Christ walks beside you. He knows your struggle, for He carried the ultimate cross before you. His presence turns your burden into strength and your suffering into victory.

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:17

Summary

Aspect Meaning Key Verse Dying to the old life Putting aside selfish desires and sin Galatians 5:24Focusing on the heavenly Living for God’s glory, not worldly gain Colossians 3:2 Identification with Christ Sharing in His death and resurrection Romans 6:4 Renewal and transformation Becoming like Christ through the Spirit Romans 12:2 Victory over sin Living in freedom through grace Romans 6:14Daily cross Choosing surrender and service every day Luke 9:23 Fruit of the Spirit The visible result of a crucified life Galatians 5:22–23