It takes dying to self to truly live. But what does that mean?

Dying to self means setting aside what we want at the moment and loving God with our whole being. It means putting others before ourselves. 

Dying to self doesn’t mean thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less. 

Dying to self means denying our selfish wants and desires. That’s not an easy thing to do. Especially when the world tells us and shows us the exact opposite. 

I spent so many years of my life trying to fulfill unrealistic expectations.

My focus was always on myself. On my pain, anger, and my own needs. So many of my choices and behaviors were made at the moment. They served me with little regard for the consequences. 

I held so tightly to myself that I was blind to all else. I thought gaining more would fill the emptiness I carried around inside me. I was wrong.

It wasn’t until I accepted that letting go was the only way to be free. 

For me, dying to myself has been part of my recovery journey. Truly, I don’t think I’d be here now without shedding all the layers that covered me. Six years into my journey, I’m still growing.

Dying to self allowed me to step back long enough to see the truth. Acceptance, forgiveness, and healing would be possible only if I let go. Only if I let God take the wheel. 

Dying to self requires surrender. 

To surrender is not to give up; it is to let go. And what are we letting go of?

When we surrender, we let go of everything—all our doubts and fears, selfishness, anger, and sinfulness. 

We surrender our old life, the life that Christ suffered and died for, and put on a new life—the life Christ purchased for us when He rose from the dead. 

As Christians, we are called not just to believe but to act. We are called to continually die to ourselves and to focus not on the things of this world but on the blessings of the world to come. 

Dying to self requires faith.

In order to truly live as disciples of Christ, we must rely on our faith to guide us. We must be living and willing servants. That means dying to self daily and trusting that God will provide the strength, courage, and peace we need to fulfill His purpose for our lives. 

Getting out of God’s way was the most important thing I’ve ever done. In truth, it was the only thing I could do. With God’s help, I was able to face myself, accept myself, and forgive myself. 

Dying to myself more each day, I began to heal. 

Soon, the grace that covered me began to permeate all areas of my life, healing broken relationships, strengthening my spirit, and growing my faith. 

Dying to self was necessary for my recovery journey to begin. Dying to self is necessary for my journey to continue. It is also why today, with a grateful heart, I finally know what living truly means.

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In order to HEAL,

you have to let go.

In order to FORGIVE,

you have to accept.

In order to GROW,

you have to learn.

In order to HOPE,

you have to believe.

In order to TRUST,

you have to have faith.

Because, in order to FLY,

you have to be free.

JN Fenwick (© 2024) | mothjournal14