by Dying to self…this simple Biblical phrase causes so much inner and outer turmoil as Christians try to reason it out. Christian women, especially.
Galatians 2:20 says,
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
We’re tripped up by this verse, evaluating it in terms of what we “lose” rather than what we “gain”.
Why is it that we automatically assume that what God asks of us will drag us down, instead of clinging to His promises and obeying in faith? His ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts.
Savor the following commentary by Alice Smith on Galatians 2:20 from The Evidence Bible:
“The path toward humility is death to self. When self is dead, humility has been perfected. Jesus humbled Himself unto death, and by His example the way is opened for us to follow. A dead man or woman does not react to an offense. The truth is, if we become offended by the words of others, then death to self has not been finished. When we humble ourselves despite injustice and there is perfect peace of heart, then death to self is complete. Death is the seed, while humility is the ripened fruit.”
Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate in humility, and what an everlasting gift…to die to self is to truly live and love as Jesus would.
In a perfect world, all Christian husbands would love their wives as Christ loves the church, and all Christian women would love their men so much that nothing would be too good for them…even if it meant denying herself in the process. Husband and wife wouldn’t take advantage of each other’s love, but esteem each other more highly than they esteem themselves.But we don’t live in a perfect world. Sin has brought suffering. We’re going to face persecution, hurts, injustices. How are we going to react? If not Biblically, then how?
Life as we know it is but a vapor. Learn from God as Job did. Who are we, anyway?
His creation.
Wanted to thank you for your excellent response to my post over at Light to the Writer’s Soul. I’m so glad I found your blog today. Very good postings here. Meat, truth, wisdom.
Thank you for the commentary on “dying to self”, It is a little heard of concept in some of today’s circles. It is a process that i would not of asked for, but neither did Jesus in the Garden. Thank you ….mike
Thank you both for your positive comments. In truth, I thought I’d catch some flack. :O)
Have been praying about dying to self and searched the web for information. Thank you for this. It gives good insight.
You’re welcome, Enid, thanks for letting me know.