Dying to Self
Years ago when I was in seminary I read a series of books called the Green Letters by Miles Stanford. These books explained spiritual growth, and the author used quotes from several different people to explain his Biblical principles. One of the principles was dying to self, and there were numerous quotes about this truth. Today, I never hear people referring to dying to self. We live in a much too pleasure oriented society, which has little taste for discipline. That is a terrible combination for spiritual growth.
The reality is that the flesh will lead us to be obsessed with many things that lead us away from the Lord's way. In fact, these thoughts and actions can be highly addictive and take control of our lives away from the Holy Spirit, even if we are a believer. That is why dying to self is so important. There are many times throughout our lives that we have to say no to self and die to what we would want to do, so that we can say yes to God, and do His will. It can't be a little pain. It has to be death. That is the only solution to the desires of the flesh. Take some time to read and meditate on Galatians 5:16-25, and focus in on verse 24. Believers are those who have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Crucifixion is dying to self. It is saying no once and for all. I pray that we all will learn this truth and put it into practice in our lives all of the time, so we can grow to be filled with the Spirit continually.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Job 38-40 and Acts 16:1-21.
The reality is that the flesh will lead us to be obsessed with many things that lead us away from the Lord's way. In fact, these thoughts and actions can be highly addictive and take control of our lives away from the Holy Spirit, even if we are a believer. That is why dying to self is so important. There are many times throughout our lives that we have to say no to self and die to what we would want to do, so that we can say yes to God, and do His will. It can't be a little pain. It has to be death. That is the only solution to the desires of the flesh. Take some time to read and meditate on Galatians 5:16-25, and focus in on verse 24. Believers are those who have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Crucifixion is dying to self. It is saying no once and for all. I pray that we all will learn this truth and put it into practice in our lives all of the time, so we can grow to be filled with the Spirit continually.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Job 38-40 and Acts 16:1-21.