When you first come to Christ, it’s exciting, you feel the weight of guilt lifted, the joy of forgiveness, and the warmth of God’s love wrapping around you. But then… the real journey begins. Because following Jesus isn’t just about saying “I believe.” It’s about a deep, daily surrender. It’s about something the Bible calls dying to self.
And let’s be honest, that phrase doesn’t sound too appealing at first. Who wants to “die” to anything? But when you truly understand it, you realize that dying to self isn’t about losing your life, it’s about finding the life you were created for.
Dying to self means letting go of your own desires, your pride, your plans, and your need for control, so that God’s will can take center stage in your life. It’s saying, “Lord, it’s no longer about what I want, it’s about what You want.”
Jesus said in Luke 9:23: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Taking up your cross daily is not a one-time decision, it’s a lifestyle. It’s a choice every morning to say, “I’ll forgive, even when my flesh wants revenge.” “I’ll trust God, even when I don’t understand the plan.” “I’ll obey, even when it costs me something.”
Because dying to self means God has all of you, not just your Sunday mornings, not just your prayers when you’re in trouble, but your heart, your mind, your decisions, your relationships, your money, and your future. Most people are okay giving God parts of their life, but full surrender? That’s where the real challenge lies. And yet, that’s where the deepest intimacy with Him is found.
When you die to self, you’re no longer living by your own strength or your own wisdom. You’re living in alignment with the Creator of the universe. That’s not weakness, that’s the greatest source of power, peace, and purpose you could ever have.
Let’s not sugarcoat it, dying to self is hard. Our flesh fights back. We like being in control. We like having our way. And sometimes, we think our way is better. You might feel God leading you to walk away from a relationship that isn’t honoring Him, but your flesh says, “What if I never find someone else?” You might feel Him telling you to forgive someone who hurt you deeply, but your flesh says, “They don’t deserve it.” You might feel Him nudging you to step out in faith in your career, but your flesh says, “What if I fail?” Every time we choose God’s way over our way, something in our old nature dies and something new and beautiful comes to life.
Here’s the paradox, dying to self actually sets you free. When you let go of control, you’re no longer a slave to your emotions, your past, or the opinions of others. You’re free to live the abundant life Jesus promised in John 10:10. The world tells you that freedom is doing whatever you want. God tells you that true freedom is doing what you were created to do and that can only happen when you surrender to Him.
Practical Ways to Die to Self Daily
1. Start the day with surrender — Before you scroll your phone, before you think about your to-do list, pray: “Lord, not my will, but Yours be done today.”
2. Pause before reacting — Whether it’s in traffic, at work, or with your family, give the Holy Spirit room to lead before you respond.
3. Let go of your “right” to be right — Sometimes walking in love is more important than winning an argument.
4. Give generously — Not just money, but time, attention, and kindness, even when it’s inconvenient.
5. Obey quickly — When you feel God prompting you, act on it without delay or overthinking.
When you die to self, you’re not just living for the moment, you’re living for eternity. Your choices, your sacrifices, your obedience, they all echo in Heaven. One day, you’ll stand before God, and every “yes” you said to Him, every moment you chose His way over yours, will matter far more than any temporary comfort you gave up.
Galatians 2:20 says it best, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” That’s the ultimate commitment, not just living for God, but letting Him live through you.
So, how do you die to self and live for God every day? Is it through your words, your patience, your acts of kindness, or the choices you make when no one’s watching? Share your story in the comments below, you never know how your testimony might encourage someone else to keep going, keep surrendering, and keep walking closely with the Lord. Together, we can inspire each other to live fully committed to God, one day at a time.
Holy mess 