To die to self daily is a pillar of the Christian faith. It’s not simply a challenge or a recommendation, but a duty and a source of strength within the Christian faith. If you are not familiar with the Bible or have never heard the phrase “die daily,” this may seem like a morbid and masochistic command. Certainly, it can be interpreted this way without proper context, but let’s explore what this means and how to start living this way.
What Does it mean to Die to Self Daily?
To die to self daily means to surrender our own desires, ambitions, and ego in favor of God’s will and purposes. This concept is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who called His followers to take up their cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24), or in (Luke 9: 23-24). At the time of this Jesus likely referred to more literally, but is also applicable to us in the modern times as well. The cross, a symbol of death and sacrifice, represents the daily commitment to put to death our sinful nature and selfish inclinations.
I admit that these Bible verses are hard lessons to carry out, as they are contrary to our natural inclinations. Our understanding of this idea begins with recognizing our own tendencies towards self-centeredness. Human nature is often inclined towards pride, greed, and a host of other vices that distance us from God.
When I look at my children, I see this play out at an early age. My 4-year-old fights with her 7-year-old brother because her self-centered nature demands the toy he’s playing with. Or my 9-year-old cries out “unfair” when his brother cheats at a board game. At an early age, we see the sins of greed and self-righteousness, which clearly persist into adulthood, albeit in a more age-appropriate manner. I don’t scream and cry at a foul, but I do have an urge to gossip. I may appear to share the superficialities of life, but I am very protective of my time and the things that truly matter in life.
But by dying to self, we consciously choose to deny these natural impulses and align our actions with the teachings and example of Jesus. To carry the cross daily means to resist that sinful spirit and hold your tongue next time someone cuts me off on the highway. To carry the cross daily means giving of the precious things of mine such as time and money to those that need it. To die to self daily means not necessarily physical death but being a living sacrifice to those around me.
Sounds easy right? Of course not.
Dying to Self- How?
Paul the Apostle encapsulates this in Galatians 2:20, where he writes, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Here, Paul writes that the transformation that occurs when we die to self: our old self is replaced by a life empowered and directed by Christ.
This means that, on our own efforts, this is impossible. But with Jesus Christ, it is possible. Because I have sin in me that causes me to be selfish, the sin in me also wants to die to self in my own way. That means relying on my own effort and willpower, doing things I don’t want to simply because I feel obligated. I’ve tried this, and it is my natural tendency, but it leads to burnout or self-pride in what I have accomplished.
I remember when I did volunteer work for the church and, relying on my own strength, a sense of pride started to creep up. I looked down on those who weren’t participating as much. This eventually led to burnout and a desire to stop volunteering altogether. Dying daily in this manner was clearly done through my own feeble strength.
To die to self in the way the Lord Jesus Christ wants us to means accessing His strength, not relying on our own. The gospel message calls us to follow Jesus not by our ability and strength, as I did, but by Jesus Christ. This understanding must penetrate not just our minds but our hearts, recognizing that Jesus has already done the work for our salvation. He has laid down His life so that we may have abundant life.
This deep understanding—that the King, the creator of all things, has laid down His life for me—transforms me. It is knowing that despite my sin, I am still saved and loved, and despite my ongoing imperfections, I am a new creation. This is the power of the grace message.
The Power of the New Self
This means that what I do now is not through my own ability and grit or out of a desire for approval, but out of joy and love for the one who made this possible, Christ Jesus. We are not working towards a goal, per se, and deliberately suffering; instead, we are doing the work of God and carrying the cross because we have a motivation that is otherworldly.
Different Category of Motivation
Consider this analogy: Two people are tasked with picking wheat to feed a village during the grueling heat of summer. One worker is promised $1,000 for their efforts at the end of the season. The other is told that, out of the owner’s generosity, they are receiving a million dollars because the owner has already harvested the wheat for them. However, both workers still need to be in the field.
How do you think these two workers will approach their tasks differently? The first, working for his wage, may toil and bicker, likely complaining and feeling bitterness about their pay. His commitment for the entire season is uncertain. The second worker, having received an immense gift and knowing there is work to be done, is more likely to labor in the field out of gratitude. He is not motivated by worldly gain, coercion, or force, but by a genuine sense of obligation and a desire to contribute selflessly. The work itself remains equally challenging, but his heart is motivated differently.
This illustrates what it means to deny oneself and carry the cross—not out of bitterness or duty, but out of love. Dying to self involves tapping into a power that transcends our own abilities.
Practical Steps
God creates a new self through His actions. It is through this transformation that we gain the strength to tackle difficult challenges. Denying our self-interest becomes possible as our selfish attitudes are subdued by a desire to do what is right and to carry our cross daily.
However, this is not easy. Hard things remain hard, and suffering is still suffering. It is difficult to turn the other cheek and refrain from retaliation when faced with adversity, whether literal or figurative. Dying to self daily goes against our natural inclinations. Yet, the power to overcome these challenges grows stronger each day as we draw nearer to God and experience His grace and love.
Practically, dying to self daily occurs as we deepen our relationship with Jesus. We spend time in prayer, immerse ourselves in Scripture, and meditate on God’s Word. We invite the Holy Spirit to work in us, enabling us to do what we cannot do on our own. Let the joy of Christ illuminate our days, making the concerns of the world seem less significant.
For more practical ideas check out: DO HARD THINGS: HOW TO BUILD GRIT AND HOW CHRIST OFFERS THE BEST WAY
Conclusions
This journey of dying to self daily is a profound and transformative process that deepens our relationship with God and aligns us more closely with His will. It’s not about achieving perfection but about surrendering our imperfections and allowing Christ to work through us. As we grow in faith and understanding, the act of dying to self becomes less about struggle and more about experiencing the fullness of life that Jesus promises. By embracing this daily sacrifice, we open ourselves to a life rich with purpose, grace, and the boundless love of God. So, take up your cross each day with a heart full of gratitude, knowing that in losing yourself, you truly find the life God intended for you.
