Friday, May 21, 2004 AD Dying to Self I've been trying in recent weeks to get my head around the idea of dying to self. Trying to figure out what that looks like. I'm thinking it's like a giant Novocaine injection that numbs us to any thoughts, appetites, etc. that are self-centered, self-fulfilling, etc. Or maybe a severed spinal cord would come closer to the picture of what we really ought to be. As we progress, however, perhaps we should expect to go throught the Novocaine stage -- periods of self-carelessness that wear off all too quickly.
An old John Michael Talbot album, based on ancient Celtic prayers, includes the song "Betwixt Me," which reads in part, "No mouth can now curse me/no tongue defame/no venom can wound me/beyond His pain." All irritations, insults, persecutions, etc. should truly be as light and momentary troubles to us. And every comfort, compliment and honor should likewise have little impact. These things can happen only if we have died to self.
Of course none of this works without the flip side of being alive to Christ, seeking first the kingdom, hungering and thirsting after righteousnesss. And even none of that works if we're the ones working it. Although we of course must strive toward these ends, our sanctification, the process by which we die to self, is ultimately scheduled and accomplished by God.
Lord, in Your great mercy, kill me. Posted by Valerie (Kyriosity) at 5/21/2004 01:59:00 PM
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