Little deaths
Putting broad biblical principles into practice can be a bit overwhelming. The concept of dying to self is one such principle. It’s a fundamental aspect of being a Christian, but it can seem so general. It helps to narrow it down a bit to a focused starting point.
Any act of self-denial could count as dying to self, so we might want to start with little things, just to get in the habit. Not picking up the phone when you know you should be doing something else is one way. Food is an obvious one – do I eat those chips or have an apple? Denying ourselves these things may not feel like we’re really dying to self – and it’s so easy to ignore our resolve to stop reaching for the phone and the chips.
I have discovered a little, daily death (I know, but better late than never) that I can actually do. It even feels like dying to myself – to my need to be right, to my desire for attention, and to protect and defend myself – and that is to keep my mouth shut. No one can tame the tongue (James 3:8), but death by closing the mouth goes a long way toward bringing a modicum of control to the problem.
Dying to self isn’t something we do once; rather it’s a matter of many little deaths every day. If we can figure out where to start and then stack up those little deaths every day, we just might become more like Christ in his death and thus share in his resurrection.
Study by Tammy Tkach
First published on 16 April 2024, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com a personal blog which is not sponsored by Grace Communion International.
Tammy Tkach is the Assistant Pastor of the Eugene, Oregon, USA, Grace Communion International congregation. She is a speaker and writer, and publishes a blog at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com
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