Implications . . . taking one “dot” and connecting it to another . . . taking some data and coming up with some information . . . applying logic to some facts and deriving a conclusion. Implications are, to my mind, the difference between brainless living and living with purpose. It’s the difference between going through the motions and grabbing hold of the meaning . . . the difference between “checking the box” and pursuing the prize. And this morning, as I read 1Corinthians 6, Paul connects two REALLY BIG DOTS . . . and the implication Paul states makes all the difference between “believing in Jesus” and “living for Jesus.” Check this out . . .

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” — 1Cor. 6:19-20

Tomorrow’s Good Friday. We’re going to focus on the death of Christ. We’ll “replay the facts” . . . the walk up Golgotha’s hill by a Man beaten beyond recognition . . . a Man who was so abused that He didn’t have the strength to carry the cross He would die on. We’ll “line up the dots” . . . nailed to the cross by His hands and feet . . . a spectacle for all who passed by or lingered to observer His suffering . . . an object of scorn for those who hated and rejected Him because the kingdom of God which He led was counter to their self interests . . . hanging between two thieves — one who would join Him in paradise, one who would refuse to the end . . . speaking 7 times from His throne of torture . . . “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34) . . . “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43) . . .”Woman, behold your son . . . behold your mother” (John 19:26-27) . . . “Eli Eli lama sabachthani? . . . “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34) . . . “I thirst” (John 19:28) . . . “It is finished!” (John 19:30) . . . Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46) . . . and then, the spear to the side . . . pierced . . . “immediately blood and water came out” (John 19:34).

Those are the facts . . . the blood shed . . . the price for redemption paid. But what’s the implication? What happens when I connect the dots? “You are not your own . . . for you were bought at a price.”

Oh, how can I accept the salvation of Christ without also acknowledging the ownership of Christ? How can I embrace being alive with Him and not equally determine to be dead to self? How can I place my hope in heaven without purposing in my heart to live for the kingdom? How can I accept the price being paid for my sin without realizing that I’ve been bought with that price and can no longer claim self-ownership? Isn’t that the implication of being saved?

“Don’t you know that your bodies are members of Christ? (1Cor. 6:15) . . . he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him (6:17) . . . your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God (6:19) . . . you are not your own . . . you were bought at a price . . . THEREFORE . . . in light of the facts . . . connecting the dots . . . glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s (6:20).”

It’s not about giving myself to Him . . . He’s already bought me . . . I’m not my own. No, it’s about living out the implication . . . about acknowledging the logical conclusion . . . asking the Spirit to give me the mind of Christ concerning my lack of self-ownership . . . and seeking to live for His glory.

Oh, if as I focus on the cross tomorrow, I were to really get this, and renew my desire to be solely His then wouldn’t it truly be a “Good Friday”?

Father, impress upon me the implications of the price paid from my redemption . . . help me connect the dots . . . for Your pleasure and glory . . . amen!