Galatians 2:20 states: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is 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.” This verse encapsulates the essence of our spiritual transformation as we surrender our lives to Christ.
The themes we have explored so far—renewal, cleansing, forgiveness, releasing bitterness, humility, renouncing pride, and surrendering control—are intricately connected and lead us to this pivotal moment of dying to self. It is a path of self-denial, giving up our desires, ambitions, and will to God, echoing Jesus’ words in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Nevertheless, not my will, but thy will be done.”
Dying to self is not a one-time event but a daily commitment to forsake our earthly desires in favor of God’s will. It signifies a complete surrender, an end to the old self ruled by sin and selfishness, and the beginning of a new life in Christ. We let go of control and allow God’s will to prevail in every aspect of our lives.
As we are crucified with Christ, we live for Him, and He lives in us. Our true identity is no longer found in ourselves but in Christ. Living for Christ means prioritizing His teachings, His way of life, and His love for others. We live by faith in Jesus Christ, marked by trust in God’s power, love, sacrifice, wisdom, and guidance.
Living by faith involves three key aspects:
- Faith in God’s love: Recognizing the depth of Christ’s love for us compels us to love God and others deeply and selflessly.
- Daily dependence on God: We lean on God’s promises, provisions, and wisdom, guided by our desire to serve and honor Him.
- Manifestation of Christ in us: Our words, thoughts, actions, and choices reflect Christ living in us, making us vessels of His grace, truth, and love.
To practically die to self, we engage in regular self-examination, spending time in prayer and reflection, asking God to reveal areas where the self still reigns. We immerse ourselves in God’s Word, allowing Christ’s life and teachings to mold our character and decisions. We also seek opportunities to serve others, driven by our love for God.
Dying to self and allowing Christ to live through us transforms our relationships, lives, and impact on the world. It is the essence of our identity as Christians, a daily surrender to God’s will and a commitment to reflect His love and grace in all we do.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Jesus, who gave Himself for us. Help us crucify our selfish desires, ambitions, and sinful ways. As we die to self, may Christ live in us, using us as instruments of Your peace, healing, joy, and love in the world. Fill us with Your power to fulfill Your calling in our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Thanks for the reminder that this is not a once and done act but a daily act. Praise be to God.