What does it mean to die to self daily?

What does it mean to “die to self daily” in a Christian context, specifically considering it’s often discussed in relation to following Jesus and living a life devoted to God? I’m curious about practical interpretations of this concept. Does it mean suppressing personal desires and ambitions, denying oneself pleasures, or something more profound related to humility, service, and a shift in priorities towards God’s will? How does this daily “death” manifest in everyday actions, decisions, and interactions with others, and what are some potential pitfalls or misinterpretations of this teaching that one should be aware of?

Answer

Dying to self daily refers to a continuous, conscious effort to relinquish one’s ego, desires, and self-centered ambitions in favor of embracing humility, selfless service, and alignment with a higher purpose or moral code. It’s an ongoing process of prioritizing the needs and well-being of others over one’s own immediate gratification.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Renouncing Ego and Pride: This involves actively fighting against feelings of superiority, entitlement, and the need for recognition. It means accepting criticism gracefully, admitting mistakes readily, and not seeking personal glory in accomplishments. It requires a constant examination of one’s motives to ensure they are not driven by pride or self-importance.

• Subordinating Personal Desires: This entails intentionally putting aside one’s own wants, comforts, and preferences when they conflict with the needs of others or ethical considerations. It could involve sacrificing time, resources, or personal convenience to help someone in need, even when it’s inconvenient or challenging. It also applies to controlling selfish impulses like overindulgence, materialism, and the pursuit of fleeting pleasures.

• Embracing Humility: Practicing humility involves recognizing one’s limitations, acknowledging one’s dependence on others or a higher power, and valuing the contributions of others. It means listening more than speaking, seeking to learn from others, and avoiding the temptation to boast or show off.

• Practicing Selflessness: This involves actively seeking opportunities to serve others, expecting nothing in return. It means showing compassion, empathy, and kindness to everyone, regardless of their background or status. It also means advocating for the vulnerable and marginalized, and working to create a more just and equitable world.

• Living with Intentionality: Dying to self daily requires a conscious and deliberate effort. It’s not a passive process, but an active choice to reject self-centeredness and embrace a more selfless way of living. This involves regularly reflecting on one’s thoughts, actions, and motives, and making adjustments as needed to stay aligned with the goal of self-denial.

• Focusing on Growth: This isn’t about self-deprecation or denigration. It’s about creating space for growth and improvement. By letting go of ego and selfishness, one can be more open to learning, change, and transformation. It allows for the development of virtues like patience, kindness, and forgiveness.

• Facing Difficult Emotions: Dying to self can be emotionally challenging. It can require confronting feelings of anger, resentment, and insecurity that may arise when one’s ego is threatened. It involves learning to manage these emotions in a healthy way, without resorting to selfish or destructive behaviors.

Pray This Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I come before you humbled and seeking understanding. I wrestle with the concept, the challenge, of dying to self daily. What does it truly mean to surrender my will, my desires, my ego to you, not just once, but with each sunrise?

Is it silencing the critical voice that whispers doubts and insecurities? Is it releasing the grip I have on my own plans, trusting that your path for me, even when unseen, is far greater than I can imagine? Is it choosing compassion over judgment, forgiveness over resentment, and selfless service over personal gain?

Lord, I confess I cling to my own understanding, my own control. I fear vulnerability, I fear letting go. Show me, Father, in tangible ways, what it means to lay down my ambitions, my pride, and my self-centeredness at your feet.

Help me to recognize the moments when my ego swells, when my desires overshadow your guidance, when I prioritize my comfort over your calling. Give me the strength to choose you, to choose love, to choose humility in those crucial moments.

Grant me the grace to see myself as you see me – a beloved child, flawed but redeemed, worthy of your love and capable of extending that love to others. Let your Holy Spirit illuminate my heart, guiding me towards a life of genuine service, driven by your love and not by my own selfish ambition.

Teach me to die to self daily, so that I may truly live in you, reflecting your light and glorifying your name.

Amen.