“Enough to Die for Me”

Photo Credit: midiman

I went to a creative writing workshop where one presenter talked about emphasis and how meaning can change simply by what we focus on.

For example: “This is my pen.”

This is my pen. (Not that one, this one.)

This is my pen. (I’m not lying, it really is.)

This is my pen. (It’s not yours, it’s mine.)

This is my pen. (Not a pencil, not a marker, a pen.)

With that idea fresh on my mind, I sang a beloved hymn, I Stand All Amazed

As I sang about the love of God and His Son Jesus Christ have for each one of us, one line stood out to me: “Enough to die for me”

It stuck in my mind for days and I decided to explore it a bit more (since it was on my mind anyway :) by emphasizing each word in the phrase like the creative writing workshop presenter demonstrated.

Enough to die for me

“Enough” can be used as a determiner or an adverb, and each definition helped expand my understanding.

Determiner: “as much or as many as required”

Adverb: “to the required degree or extent”

Enough – not a little, not sometimes, fully. Sufficient. Not lacking. That’s pretty powerful. This highlights Christ’s power to help me through all my trials and weaknesses. No matter how small. No matter how large. No matter how often.

Enough to die for me

To, as a preposition, gives direction and relationship between words. In this case, I feel it helps me understand that Christ’s “enough” (His perfection, wholeness, developed love) led Him to die [for me]. It provides a direct relationship between Him and me.

Enough to die for me

He really did die. As the son of a God, He didn’t have to, but He did. He made a choice that would benefit all humankind, every person who ever lived, lives, or will live upon the earth. It stands as a beacon to me – a reminder that I can choose how to use the time I’m given in this life to benefit others. I can live better because Christ chose to die. I can seek to live more like Him.

Enough to die for me

Merriam-Webster gave me some food for thought on this use of for:

• a)       used as a function word to indicate purpose
• b)      used as a function word to indicate an intended goal
• c)       used as a function word to indicate the object or recipient of a perception, desire, or activity

Each definition applies – we were and are the purpose for which Christ died. Fulfilling His role in God’s plan so that we could be saved through His Atonement was the intended goal of everything the Savior did. You and I are the recipients of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. "His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth."

Enough to die for me

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is personal. Individual. Each and every person on this earth is a cherished child of God, and God sent His Son Jesus Christ to make it possible for each one of us to come back. You. Me.