Years ago a mentor friend introduced me to the concept of “Dying to yourself.” I initially thought, that sounds horrible, and what does it really mean? The world tells us to take selfies, be STRONG, Girl power, leave your marriage if he isn’t making you “happy”. BE competitive. STRIVE. Collect more, have more, BE MORE. Dying to yourself is the exact opposite of the power the world says you can achieve. I learned through my friends example and through the bible that dying to yourself is about service, sacrifice and sanctification. It has tremendous power. It can stop arguments, infidelity and divorce. It uncovers truth and shines light on unconditional love. It brings freedom and hope. It quiets jealousy and calls out our unique gifts. It is essentially serving God and others instead of serving ourselves. Think of a woman shoving her way through a line at a banquet to stuff her plate full of food before anyone else gets a chance. Might as well imagine her taking a selfie with her little pink cell phone before she pushes her way back through the crowd to get the best seat in the house. Now think of that same woman politely stepping aside with a smile so an elderly couple can go first. 1. Self. 2. Dying to self.
It looks like laying down our expectations of how we think our kids should perform and our husbands should act on Saturdays.
It looks like yielding when we think we have the answers and asking God first what should come out of our mouths.
It looks like serving the community...without seeking recognition.
It looks like respecting our elders...that includes inlaws people! ;) In words. In actions. In sacrifice.
It looks like getting up in the dark to brew coffee and prepare breakfast for the people that live in our homes.
It looks like not comparing ourselves to others, but rejoicing over their successes, over their miracles, over their joys.
It looks like not striving to achieve, but sitting still to listen.
It looks like honoring our spouses by the words we use to describe them.
It looks like setting a table for others, not for the compliments, but to create a space where people can feel loved and cared for.
It looks like not counting numbers or likes or seeking the approval of others. It looks like seeking the will of God.
It looks like encouraging others and calling out their gifts. It looks like pouring out ALL of our gifts without asking God for payment.
It looks like leaving a job without listing everything we've contributed, and instead listing everything we've appreciated.
It looks like continuing to praise God despite the pain in our bodies.
It looks like choosing to call out beauty and light in the darkest of places.
It looks like total surrender to the one who holds the true power.
It looks like taking the time to be on time, to show up, to mentor, to listen and to pour into another woman.
It looks like taking a step toward Jesus even when we are completely broken, battered, lost, hungry and hurting....because there He is to put out his hand and say I KNOW suffering. I know YOU. I know. And in THAT moment, looking at Him, you are completely KNOWN. You are a new creation in Him.
Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice. For carrying your cross so we could be free in you. Thank you for modeling what it looks like to have FAITH even when everything hurts in this world. Thank you that because of YOU we never have to stop having hope. We love you Lord and this Easter, we honor YOU and the fullness of your sacrifice for US and we choose to seek you above all else. In Jesus name Amen.
John 3:3-7
Happy Easter Weekend everyone! Enjoy the moment you’re in and take some time to reflect on the life of Jesus and what his sacrifice means to you personally.
