"Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"
Luke 9:23
Dying to self is a very interesting topic to me. I have always been fascinated by the thought of "dying to myself." I have always wanted to die in a "noble fashion." To me that would be in a battle fending off lots of bad guys. Inside I hope that never happens and I hope that I instead die in a quick way. Honestly, the idea of "dying to oneself" is a very confusing thing.
When I think of "taking up one's cross" I think of literally carrying a cross. The Biblical standpoint behind it isn't that far off. It actually means that one has to carry all of their issues, addictions, habits, or whatever on a cross and give it up. When Jesus was carrying His cross it was symbolic of Him bearing ALL of EVERYONE'S sins. Which, is really cool.
Taking your cross up is dying to self because it is saying that "I am going to crucify the bad things about me."
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
Romans 12:1
What is worship, but honoring God? Not much. Thus, this verse is really cool because it's saying "hey, you should present yourself as a living sacrifice because this is the best freaking way to worship!" Sure, singing worship songs is awesome, but pretty much everyone can do it. Not everyone has the guts to present themselves as a living sacrifice.
My challenge for you is not only take your cross up and follow God, but also present yourself as that living sacrifice. There is this really cool link that someone showed me that I would like to in turn share with you.
Dying To Self
