DYING TO SELF

…always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

2 Cor. 4:10,11

Nobody really wants to die. Suicide is a desperate, last ditch effort at taking away the pain. All of us want to live and enjoy life. When Jesus beginning to talk about dying the disciples wanted none of it. What about the abundant life? Why all this talk about death? We thought Jesus came to give life and that more abundantly. We don’t want to die. Jesus was actually trying to teach His followers about real life. Our life does not consist in the abundance of our possessions. In a strange way its in dying that we first begin to taste the power of His new life. Not dying physically but dying to ourselves is the place where real living begins. Here are some thoughts from Andrew Murray on this strange way to live our lives.

“We have now learned that the only way of dying to self is the way of patience, meekness, humility, and total surrender to God. The reason you are trying in vain to obtain these virtues is that you are seeking them in a multitude of human rules and methods instead of in simple faith—the faith that is given by Christ to all those who ask for it.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” It is a short, simple, and certain way to peace and comfort. What has now become of your rules and methods to be delivered from self and the power of sin? What folly it would be to suppose that Christ, after His ascension, would become less of a Savior, and give less immediate help, than when He was on earth”

As Jesus neared His death He began to unfold His plan to His disciples. His plan included death. It was death on the cross for Jesus, it was learning to die to themselves for His followers. The strange thing about this dying to self is that it is connected to abundant living. It is only in dying to ourselves can we really begin to live. Just as Jesus death lead to His resurrection; our dying to self leads to a resurrection of His life in us.