Dying To Self

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Luke 9:23

When you are not forgiven, or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you sting and hurt with the insult and the oversight, but your heart is happy because you count it worthy to suffer for Christ: that is dying to self.

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice is disregarded, your opinions are ridiculed, you refuse to let anger rise in your heart or even defend yourself, you take it all in patient, loving silence: that is dying to self.

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, or any annoyance, when you can stand face to face with waste and folly and extravagance and spiritual insensitivity and endure it as Jesus endured it: that is dying to self.

When you’re content with any food, any offering, any clothes, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption by the will of God: that is dying to self.

When you can never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendation, when you can love to be unknown: that is dying to self.

When you see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and unmet: that is dying to self.

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself, and humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising in your heart: that is dying to self.

(Source: Unknown)