When we met for group devotions the first morning in Cambodia, we were given a sheet titled, "What is Dying to Self?" I believe it paints very well the picture of what dying to self is, that it is directly connected to attitude. As much as dying to self is something Christ enables us to do, it is also a godly response when things are done to us or our expectations are not met. It's not just on short-term trips we must die to self, but to be the hallmark of our lives as we walk in love. I have typed out the sheet and hope it is useful to you!
WHAT IS DYING TO SELF?
When you are forgotten or neglected or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or oversight, but your heart is happy being counted worthy for Christ...
THAT IS DYING TO SELF!
When your good is evil spoken of, your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving silence...
THAT IS DYING TO SELF!
When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any impunctuality, or any annoyance, when you stand face-to-face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility and endure it as Jesus endured it...
THAT IS DYING TO SELF!
When you are content with any food, any offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption or change of course by the will of God...
THAT IS DYING TO SELF!
When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation or to record your own good works or itch after commendations, when you can truly love to be unknown...
THAT IS DYING TO SELF!
When you see your brother prosper, and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, or question God when your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances...
THAT IS DYING TO SELF!
When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself, and can humbly submit inwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart...
THAT IS DYING TO SELF!
Are you dead yet?
Man, this is convicting, clarifying and spot-on! I'm gonna have to print this out and put it somewhere I can see it often.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, A-ron! I did print it and pray to be more Christ-like by the power of His Holy Spirit at work in my life. Thank you, Ben, for sharing!
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