Dying to Self

Lord, this week I shall learn how to die to self, if it pleases You, and to find contentment and peace which I really needed right now.

When you are forgotten or neglected and you don't hurt
with the insult, but your heart is happy -- that is dying to self.

When your advice is disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, and take it all in patient, loving silence -- that is dying to self.

When you lovingly and patiently bear disorder, irregularity, tardiness, and annoyance...and endured it as Jesus endured it -- that is dying to self.

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation or record your own good works, or itch for praise after an accomplishment, when you can truly
love to be unknown... that is dying to self.

When you see your brother or sister prosper and can honestly rejoice with him, and feel no envy even though your needs are greater -- that is dying to self.

When you are content with any food, any offering, any garments, any climate or any society -- that is dying to self.

When you can take correction, when you can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, with no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart -- that is dying to self. And rising with Jesus.

~~ Author is known to God

(Adapted from Lectio Divina, September 2005)