Practical examples of dying to self

        The concept of "dying to self" is deeply woven throughout the pages of Scripture. It refers to the deliberate act of setting aside personal desires, rights, and ambitions to submit to the will of God. The Bible does not only teach this principle but also reveals numerous individuals who demonstrated what it means to die to self through their actions, decisions, and sacrifices.

1. Jesus Christ – The Ultimate Example of Dying to Self

        The most profound example of dying to self is seen in the life and death of Jesus Christ. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). Facing the agony of the cross, Jesus did not insist on His own will but surrendered entirely to the Father’s plan. Paul describes Christ’s humility in Philippians 2:6–8, stating that though He was in very nature God, He made Himself nothing and became obedient to death on the cross. Jesus’ entire mission was a demonstration of self-denial for the sake of redeeming humanity.

2. Abraham – Willing to Sacrifice Isaac

        In Genesis 22, God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac. This command was a direct challenge to Abraham’s love, hopes, and future. Nevertheless, Abraham obeyed, rising early in the morning to carry out God's instruction. As he raised the knife, God intervened and provided a ram, but Abraham’s willingness to let go of his most precious promise reveals the depth of his submission. He did not cling to his own desires but trusted God's purpose above all.

3. Moses – Refusing Egyptian Privilege

        Moses was raised in Pharaoh’s palace, surrounded by wealth, luxury, and power. However, according to Hebrews 11:24–26, Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He gave up his royal identity, forsaking his Egyptian upbringing to embrace the call of God. This decision to abandon personal privilege and align with God’s enslaved people is a clear act of dying to self.

4. John the Baptist – Decreasing for Christ to Increase

        John the Baptist was a popular and respected prophet before Jesus began His public ministry. When Jesus started gaining more followers, John did not become envious or competitive. Instead, he declared, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). John understood his role as the forerunner and was content to step aside. His humility and willingness to give up influence exemplify self-denial in ministry.

5. Joseph – Forgiving His Betrayers

        After being betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph rose to power in Egypt. When his brothers came to him seeking help during a famine, he had the authority to punish them. However, Joseph chose mercy over vengeance. In Genesis 50:20, he told them, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good." His act of forgiveness, despite years of suffering, was a powerful expression of dying to self.

6. Stephen – Loving His Killers

        Stephen, the first Christian martyr, preached boldly about Jesus, which led to his execution by stoning. As he was dying, Stephen echoed Jesus' words from the cross by praying, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). He did not curse his executioners or cry out for justice. Instead, he extended forgiveness, putting aside personal pain and showing Christ-like compassion even in death.

7. Paul – Embracing Suffering for the Gospel

        Paul’s life is marked by a continual pattern of dying to self. In 1 Corinthians 15:31, he writes, "I die daily." This refers to his ongoing choice to deny himself for the sake of Christ. Paul suffered imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, and rejection (2 Corinthians 11:23–28). He counted all personal gains as losses for the sake of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:7–8). His life was a daily offering, poured out in obedience and sacrifice.

8. Ruth – Leaving Her Past Behind

        Ruth, a Moabite widow, chose to leave her homeland, family, and culture to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi. She declared, "Your people will be my people, and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16). Ruth gave up her identity and future in Moab to embrace a new life among God’s people. Her decision reflects a deep surrender and a willingness to let go of everything familiar.

9. The Early Church – Sacrificial Unity

         In the Book of Acts, the early Christians practiced communal living. Acts 2:45 says, "They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need." Believers relinquished personal ownership and comfort to ensure no one among them lacked anything. This collective self-denial fostered unity, generosity, and spiritual power.

10. The Disciples – Forsaking All to Follow Jesus

        When Jesus called His disciples, they immediately left their professions and families to follow Him. Matthew 4:22 says, "Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him." These men abandoned livelihoods, social standing, and security to become fishers of men. Their obedience, without hesitation, illustrates the cost of discipleship and the heart of dying to self.

        Dying to self is not self-hatred; it's self-denial for the sake of Christ. It’s exchanging our agenda for His, our flesh for His Spirit, and our pride for His humility. As Jesus said:

    “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23