George Muller, known for his great faith and ministry to orphans, was asked the secret of his fruitful service for the Lord. He said, "There was a day when I died...utterly died." As he spoke, he bent lower and lower until he almost touched the floor. "I died to George Muller – his opinions, his preferences, tastes, and will – died to the world, its approval or censure – died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends – and since then I have studied only to show myself approved unto God."
Everyone I know who has been greatly used by God has gone through an experience of "dying to self" as described in Galatians 2:20. It is not until we know the reality of "death to self" that we can live for Christ, allowing God to truly use and bless us. My Galatians 2:20 experience happened in the spring of 1951 when Vonette and I signed a contract to become slaves of Christ. I daily reaffirm this contract.
Holy living involves a daily decision to surrender to the lordship of Christ. It involves yielding our will to God and adopting His perspective. If you want to see what it looks like to live a holy life, examine the life of Jesus. He is the visible expression of God's holiness.
God wants our minds and hearts to be filled with His holy qualities. And as our lives are transformed, we will project the light of His holiness into the darkness of our evil world. Real life – abundant life – begins with dying to self.
Your View of God Really Matters ...
Have you made the decision to "die to self" and live for Christ? It is a liberating action, producing joy and peace. If not, is there any reason you would not want to make that decision today?
Learn more about God’s character at Discover God, by Bright Media Foundation, an affiliate of Cru.
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