Not I, but Christ

I recently discovered a most beautiful hymn written by an Ada Whiddington in the late 19th century, titled "Not I, but Christ." It reminds me so much of Galatians 2:20, which has been one of my favorite passages of Scripture ever since I became a follower of Jesus a few years ago. I just invite you to take these lyrics and bask in their richness, it's such a beautiful cry for our souls to have…

Not I, but Christ be honored, loved, exalted,

Not I, but Christ be seen, be known and heard;

Not I, but Christ in every look and action,

Not I, but Christ in every thought and word.

Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord,

  Oh, to be lost in Thee,

Oh, that it may be no more I,

    But Christ that lives in me.

Not I, but Christ to gently soothe in sorrow,

Not I, but Christ to wipe the falling tear;

Not I, but Christ to lift the weary burden,

Not I, but Christ to hush away all fear.

Christ, only Christ, no idle word e’er falling,

Christ, only Christ, no needless bustling sound;

Christ, only Christ, no self-important bearing,

Christ, only Christ, no trace of I be found.

Not I, but Christ my every need supplying,

Not I, but Christ my strength and health to be;

Christ, only Christ, for spirit, soul, and body,

Christ, only Christ, live then Thy life in me.

Christ, only Christ, ere long will fill my vision,

Glory excelling soon, full soon I’ll see;

Christ, only Christ, my every wish fulfilling,

Christ, only Christ, my all in all to be.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 

Galatians 2:20