24Were you a fan of the television program 24? We are big 24 fans in our house. My daughter even has a t-shirt with Kiefer Sutherland’s picture on it that reads,

YOU DON’T KNOW JACK!

When it was on television my kids would have their friends over for 24 parties, similar to Superbowl parties, with a crowd and a lot of food. They’ve been eagerly awaiting the promised movie by the same name; however, after a little digging I found a news article that stated the executives at FOX decided to bring 24 back to television instead of having a feature film. It is due to release in May of 2014. I’m certain my family will be tuned in with popcorn in hand.

This morning as I was reading through Galatians, a Jack Bauer line popped into my head. When I share it with you, you’re going to wonder how in the world this line has anything at all to do with the Bible.  Just hang with me, and I’ll try to explain.

Now for a little back story. Jack is surprised when he encounters a friend, Tony, he thought was dead. The double surprise is not only does Jack see Tony alive, but it appears Tony is working for the terrorist Jack is fighting against.

Tell me where the device is! So help me God, I will kill you, and you will stay dead this time. “

Okay, so now you’re wondering how in the world I found a correlation between that quote and Galatians. Well, let me share the verse that triggered the thought.  You will find it in Galatians 2:20,

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” [Emphasis mine]

When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we die to self and the Lord lives through us, just like Paul said in this verse, The problem arises when dead things come back to life… when we live for ourselves instead of for the Lord. It is a daily choice for us. We get to decide who gets to live our life and who doesn’t. Do we make choices about what we do, what we say, how we spend our time and our money or do we die to self and allow the Lord to make those decisions?

The tug-of-war between flesh and spirit can get tiring at times. As we die to self more and more, it will get easier, but the choice never goes away.

This morning I found myself wanting to adopt Jack Bauer’s line for my life. I wanted to say to myself,

Die, flesh, and so help me God, stay dead this time!”

Where do you stand today? Whose living your life? Is it your or Jesus?