I was thinking today about something I read a while back. I think it was Elisabeth Elliot who wrote about dying to self. She said that every hardship and disappointment is a chance to die to self. Every heartache or heartbreak is a chance to die. I have found that to be so very true.

Every time something I hoped for doesn’t work out is a chance to die.

Every time a person suddenly moves out of my life for no reason is a chance to die.

Every time a dream evaporates is a chance to die.

Every time I feel let down and can choose to lash out or imitate Christ in silence is a chance to die.

Every time I have a friendship where a wall suddenly goes up and the friend goes silent is a chance to die.

Every time I think I’m doing so very well and have it altogether, only to get tripped up over something petty, is a chance to die.

I have a chance to die every day to what I think are my rights, what I think I deserve. I have a chance to die to my need to be constantly approved, applauded, noticed, patted on the back, etc. I have a chance to die to my constant efforts to be liked and to be seen and to have my name look good. And I think I die a little every day in each of these areas.

John the Baptist said that he must decrease, so that Jesus could increase. That’s what I want to want. I want to want people to look at me and see Jesus. I want them to look at my life and instead of admiring me, to be awakened to a longing for Jesus. I’ve said this before, but it’s worth repeating; I am nothing and Jesus is everything.

If no one reads this blog or comments on it, it’s another chance to die. And this time, I’ll gladly take it!