I have been thinking about this George Mueller quotation a lot lately.
There was a day I died - died to George Mueller, his opinions, preferences, tastes and will; died to the world’s approval and censure, died to the approval or blame of my brethren or friends; and since I have studied only to show myself approved to God.
It seems like I have to go through daily deaths. I have to die to the approval of people and seek to follow the convictions that God has outlined in Scripture and laid on my heart. I sometimes have to make decisions where all parties involved are left unhappy. I have to die to the draw to be “great” in the world’s eyes and seek to be a servant of all. Some days I don’t die to myself very well.
God invites all of us to sit before Him and cast our cares onto His lap. He cares for us. Consider what things you need to die to and then remember, God never calls us to do something He won’t empower us to do. Sometimes death is a slow process and some things we will never be free from fighting while in these present bodies. Always remember that His mercies are new every morning and this battle is worth waging.
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Chad, I thank God for your life and testimony through this season of life. By the way, Happy Birthday my friend. Death to self is definitely to experiencing joy and humility in Christ. When I think of death to self, my mind gravitates to Philippians 2:7, “…[Christ] made himself nothing…” Christ must increase, I must increase (John 3:30). Thanks for the post.