“You are Christ's” (1 Corinthians 3:23)

You belong to Christ because the Father gave you as a gift to His Son; You belong to Christ because of His bloody purchase, which redeemed you from slavery; You belong to Christ because He lived a perfect life so you could live a holy life; You belong to Christ because He owns you by right and possession.

 When you’re tempted to sin, say, "I can’t do this great wickedness, for I belong to Christ." When you’re tempted to gain wealth by dishonesty, say, “I’ll be content with simple food and clothing, for I belong to Christ”. When you’re faith is tested, say, “I’ll submit to whatever God has for me, for I belong to Christ”. When you’re tempted by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, say, “Your grip has no power over me, for I belong to Christ”. When you’re tempted to be lazy, Say, “I’ll seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, for I belong to Christ”. When you know God wants you to share with those less fortunate, say, “Everything I own is His, for I belong to Christ”. When you’re tempted to remain silent to avoid persecution, say, “I’ll speak the truth in love for I belong to Christ”. 

And now, if these describe you, let me encourage you to keep going. If these descriptions do not describe you, I hope you are convicted. When people talk about you, what do they say? “He’s a nice guy” or “she’s a good person”? Is that all you have to show for a lifetime of service to God? Has your life demonstrated the conduct and conversation of Christ? His life is supposed to be an example for saints to follow (1 Peter 2:21). “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe — and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:19-20).