Dying to Self

Introduction

On my computer screen, I keep a sticky note that reminds me to write about dying to self. While this is one of the most vital principles for living a Spirit-empowered life, I intentionally saved it for last. Understanding spiritual gifts and their operation is important, but if that knowledge remains in our heads and doesn’t translate into action, it is of little value. This is where the principle of dying to self becomes indispensable.

Even as I disagree with those who hold a cessationist view of spiritual gifts, I recognize they are correct about one critical point: for the Spirit to have control of your life, you must die to self. There cannot be a constant struggle for leadership between your will and God’s will. Jesus expressed this principle clearly:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” (John 12:24)

Without dying to self, even the operation of spiritual gifts can fail to glorify God. Instead, they may become tools for personal gain or recognition, leading to a lack of true spiritual harvest. People might be healed or receive prophecy, but without the evidence of a surrendered life, those acts may not point others toward a deeper relationship with Jesus.

The ultimate purpose of the gifts of the Spirit and a Spirit-empowered life is to point to Jesus and Him alone. In the early church, every spiritual gift was used to confirm and direct attention to Jesus. Never were these gifts employed for personal glory or financial gain.

The Call to Die to Self

To walk in a Spirit-empowered life, we must make the conscious decision to die to self. This means surrendering ownership of our lives to God. The Apostle Paul encapsulates this idea beautifully:

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Dying to self requires us to follow Jesus’ example of self-denial:

“When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.'” (Mark 8:34)

Jesus did not mean we should literally hang ourselves on a cross. Instead, He calls us to emulate His example of selflessness and submission. This is why I am so opposed to teachings that promote self-centered attitudes and indulgence. Such teachings are antithetical to the gospel and the example set by Christ.

Practical Applications of Dying to Self

For some, dying to self may mean giving up worldly luxuries to share the gospel in a foreign country. For others, it might involve sacrificing financial security so that one parent can stay home to raise children. It could also mean leaving behind a lifestyle that conflicts with God’s moral law. Whatever the specific call, the Christian journey inevitably brings us to a moment of surrender where we say, “Not my will, but Yours be done, Lord.”

Taking up your cross and following Jesus often means embracing servanthood, even when it involves suffering. Failing to crucify the flesh—that human desire to control your own life—results in becoming the master of your own destiny rather than a Spirit-led servant. Only by relinquishing control can we fully embrace the life God intends for us.

Allowing Christ to Live in You

Dying to self is only half of the equation. The other half is allowing Christ to live in you. Spirit-empowered living is proactive, not merely reactive. It’s not just about avoiding what you shouldn’t do; it’s about actively engaging in what you should do.

Ceasing to Strive

One key to allowing Christ to live in you is to stop striving. This does not mean meditating or using relaxation techniques, but rather ceasing to strive in your own strength. When you try to force outcomes, you are living through yourself, not Christ. When you stop trying to control everything, Christ has the freedom to work miraculously in and through you.

Striving can manifest in many forms: excessive worry, overworking to achieve goals, or even trying to manipulate circumstances to bring about desired results. When we surrender these tendencies to Christ, we invite His peace and power into our lives. This doesn’t mean passivity but rather trusting God to lead and work through us in His timing.

Avoiding Performative Faith

I spent 30 years in the Foursquare denomination before God called me to pastor a church in the Association of Vineyard Churches. The Foursquare movement, founded by the remarkable evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson, has been a great influence on my life. However, one unintended consequence of her ministry was that some people began to imitate her mannerisms, becoming “Sister Aimee clones.” While their intentions were good, this imitation often led to hype rather than genuine Spirit-led living.

To allow Christ to live in you, you must stop trying to be someone you’re not. When people are transparent and authentic in their relationship with God, their uniqueness glorifies Him. Whether they are exuberant or introspective, what matters is that they are true to how God created them. The moment actions become performative rather than genuine, they turn into hype and lose their spiritual impact.

Authenticity in faith draws others to Christ. When people see a genuine relationship with God—marked by honesty, humility, and love—they are more likely to be inspired to pursue Him themselves. Performative faith, by contrast, often creates barriers and skepticism.

Living a Unique, Spirit-Empowered Life

When Christ lives in you, your life will be unique, creative, and meaningful. This is because your relationship with Him is personal and tailored to you. When you stop striving to appear religious or sanctimonious and simply allow the Spirit to work through you authentically, miracles happen. Lives are touched, and Jesus is glorified.

The Apostle Paul’s introduction to the Roman church reflects this balance:

“Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God.” (Romans 1:1)

Notice that Paul didn’t lose his identity. Instead, his identity became intertwined with Jesus. Likewise, I know who I am: Duke, a servant of Jesus, called to be a pastor, dedicated to spreading the good news of God.

Discovering Your Identity in Christ

Who are you? As you surrender your life to Christ, your unique identity and purpose will emerge. Whether you are called to serve in ministry, in your family, or in your workplace, your Spirit-empowered life will reflect God’s glory in a way that only you can.

God has a unique plan for every believer, and as we die to self, we begin to uncover the fullness of that plan. This may include unexpected opportunities, new talents, or a calling you never anticipated. As Christ works through you, you will become a reflection of His love and power to the world.

Conclusion

Dying to self is not a one-time event but a daily choice. It is the pathway to a Spirit-empowered life, where the gifts of the Spirit operate for God’s glory rather than personal gain. As we die to self and allow Christ to live in us, we become vessels for His love, grace, and power. This is the heart of the Spirit-filled life: living in a way that points others to Jesus and fulfills God’s purposes for our lives.

Let us commit to daily surrender, trusting that God’s plans for us are far greater than anything we could imagine. As we walk this journey of self-denial and Spirit-empowerment, may our lives testify to the transformative power of Christ working within us.

How Does “Dying to Self” Relate to the Message of Resurrection Sunday?

“Dying to self” means surrendering personal desires to follow Christ completely. This concept connects to the message of Resurrection Sunday, which celebrates Christ’s victory over death. Just as Jesus rose again, believers experience new life in Him. Many find inspiration in resurrection sunday images that depict His triumph and the promise of renewal.

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