Death to self in small steps, but eternity now!

When I first began contemplating “death to self,” I nearly became morbid about it. But as I meditated on Scripture passages about this topic, I noticed how each also spoke of being enabled to live a new, eternal kind of life. The grain of wheat dies, but then it bears much fruit; disciples of Jesus hate (or prefer God’s life over) their life but get to keep their life for eternal life (see John 12:24-25). Those who are crucified with Christ and no longer live have Christ living in them and live a life in their body by the faith of the Son of God (compared to my decrepit faith; see Galatians 2:20). 

I found that death to self occurs in small steps. Every day I volunteer for small deaths to self, and I experience a little more of that fruit-filled eternal kind of life from above—right here and now on this planet. After a while, a selfless life begins to make sense. It seems silly to repay evil for evil—what good does that do? Wouldn’t it be smarter not to fight fire with fire but with a shocking amount of water? Life becomes more pleasant and interesting. The burdens get lighter and lighter. As I surrender, all is given to me; “a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into [my] lap” (Luke 6:38, NIV).

 TODAY’S EXPERIMENT - Reflect on situations that bring out the worst sort of self-promotion in you. Do they occur when you’re around people who put you down? Who are bossy? Who hold opinions opposite yours? Who look up to you? What could you pray about those situations now, while you’re not in the middle of them? What could you pray about the people usually involved, especially to will good in their lives and move toward conformity with Christ?



 

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