The Cross Must Go Deeper in Our Lives: Part One – Dying to Self and the Pursuit of God’s Will

In our journey of faith, there lies a profound and often ignored lesson hidden within the pages of Scripture, particularly in passages like 1 John 2:15-16, Luke 9:62, Romans 8:13, and Matthew 10:37-39. These verses call us to a deeper understanding of what it means to truly take up our cross and follow Jesus. The essence of this challenge can be reduced to a single, transformative realization: it requires brokenness.

The Call to Identify with Christ’s Sufferings

Dying to self and ensuring that God’s will reigns supreme in our lives is more than mere words; it is an intense commitment that requires us to be crucified. Remember, crucifixion was a cruel and agonizing death. As noted in Luke 9:62, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” This scripture starkly reminds us that the call to follow Christ is all-encompassing and requires unwavering commitment, not half-hearted attempts.
In Romans 8:13, we read about the necessity of putting to death the deeds of the body. Dying to self is not a painless process—it is a journey often filled with pain and challenge. Our identification with Jesus’ sufferings is the pathway to being raised to life in Him. It invites us to embrace both the uncomfortable and the life-giving aspects of our relationship with Him.

The Unwelcome Message of the Cross

In many churches today, the cross is not authentically preached, nor is it widely welcomed. Yet it’s important to grasp that without this critical message, we cannot hope to initiate meaningful change in ourselves or the world around us. The cross is meant to bring death to self, allowing Jesus’ resurrection power to manifest in our lives.
This means understanding that for many of us, the cost of discipleship is immense. But often, this cost is presented without real meaning—leading people to think of the cross as merely a symbolic representation, instead of recognizing it for the transformative power it really holds.

A Call to Obedience and Submission

The pursuit of personal desires must take a backseat to the desire for God’s will in our lives. To echo what Matthew 10:37-39 emphasizes, we cannot place anything or anyone above Jesus. This truth challenges us; it requires that we let go of our attachments to worldly desires and focus instead on responding with obedience to the will of God. “Not my will, but Yours be done,” should be our daily prayer.
In conclusion, dying to self involves surrendering our fleshly inclinations and desires, acknowledging that God’s way is far better than anything we can conjure up on our own. It calls us to a life of active obedience—answered through the willingness to embrace the cross, accepting that though the road may be difficult, it ultimately leads to the unmatched joy of discovering God’s perfect will for our lives.
As we begin this journey, let us remember: the cross must go deeper. It is through this depth that we truly experience the freedom and grace that Christ offers.