A pastor friend of mine once shared that he had a real weakness for pizza. He would joke that if pizza were brought into the room, he would keep eating until he made himself sick. He would often say, “Imagine if I were dead and someone brought pizza in. How much would I eat?” The obvious answer is: zero!

In this section of scripture, Paul makes a connection between our lives and being bound to sin. It’s as if we have taken a vow to the law, becoming “married” to sin, and we feel obligated to fulfill its demands until “death do us part”—which is exactly where sin ultimately leads us (Romans 6:23). Paul explains that we must consider ourselves crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20), thus freeing ourselves from the obligation of sin.

By dying to sin in Christ, we are liberated from its obligations and instead become bound to Jesus. Our relationship with Christ is not about “until death do you part,” but rather a promise of “eternal life.” Previously, we were bound to our flesh and its passions. Now, having died in Christ, we are connected to the Spirit, who guides us into all truth and righteousness, compelling us by love rather than fear and shame. We no longer desire the pizza (John 16:8, 16:13).

If you are in Christ, you are truly free (John 8:36, Galatians 5:1).

Father, I pray that you will guide us in picking up our cross and following your Son. May we die daily to the passions of the flesh that lead to death, and instead embrace your Son and truly live. Holy Spirit, we invite you to search our lives and reveal anything offensive, leading us into everlasting life.