Finding Life in the Death of Self

Whether it's laying down a dream, your future, or a deep longing, much of the Christian life involves death. It’s painful. Idols are powerful. Desires are strong. We grasp for control, success, recognition, power, or acceptance—desperately trying to prove ourselves.

But Jesus explains that dying to self is part of our life in Him:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

Dying to self looks different for each person in particular seasons.

• For the chronic illness sufferer, it may mean giving up future plans and learning to rest with your limitations and spend extensive time doing routine tasks.
• For the young mom, it means changing lots of diapers, endless laundry, and having conversations with a two year old all day.
• For the student with an annoying roommate, it means learning to overlook small things and love them more than yourself. 
• For the elderly person, it could mean investing in kids around you when you'd rather enjoy the free-time and quiet.
• For business person, it could mean sacrificing a promotion because it involves dishonest business ethics.
• For the pastor, it may mean losing your reputation because you did what was right.
• For the missionary, it could look like sharing the gospel for a decade and seeing no tangible fruit.
• For the parent with a prodigal, it may mean giving up your desire to fix their foolish choices and simply pray fervently for them.
• For the person with a broken relationship, it may mean forgiving someone who's hurt you deeply.

While each circumstance involves unique struggles, they all require dying to self. Are you frustrated with the "dying to self" process?  Think of it this way:

"An easygoing, non self-denying life will never be one of power." Hudson Taylor

Do you want your life to radiate the joy and hope of Christ? It doesn't happen when things are easy. God, in His grace, chooses to work through the disappoint, hurt, loss, and self-denial. Because in that process we learn to lay down our hopes, dreams, and even fears.

And the result? We find that Jesus is better.

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:8

This is the beauty in dying to self. Taking up my cross results in great, eternal gain (Phil. 1:21). When we strive to build our own little kingdoms, to fight for what we want, it produces defeat and death. But when we die to self, we find life (Mk 8:35).

Just as a seed has to die in order to grow into a strong, flourishing tree, so we have to die to ourselves for God to produce beautiful fruit.

As much as I want my world to revolve around me, it leaves me empty. Only when I die to myself can I find life and joy. The joy that Jesus really is the greatest treasure. The ultimate satisfaction.

May you find life today in the death of yourself.

“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