Die to self

It is common  knowledge  that we die a little every day, but have we consciously thought and embraced the notion of dying  to self?

 I believe Fathers and Mothers get this notion instinctively....a child is born and we naturally put that child first in our mind.

Enter adulthood, whether our parents, caregivers did a good job on balancing those needs in our world is how we will react to the world when given an opportunity to die to self.  Do we covet? Do we envy? Do we spend most or all of our energy on a acquiring or do we put others before self?

Bring it back to the  original thought.....when do I die to self? Let's look at a child. When he/she  first recognizes that the little toy in their hand is something their play partner wants and is willing to give it up in an effort to please the other is the firs sign of D.I.E.T.S.

Let's take it to  the larger stage. Do I consciously think about others first? In traffic? At a dinner table with lots of people...do I wait to select from food choices placed in the communal bowl? How do I react when I have more in a setting filled with people who have less? What is my spirit telling me when I see someone in need....Do I forfeit something I want because I see anther whom I love also wanting that same thing? Can I willingly give it up?

We see two levels of maturity in the D.I.E.T.S ...one as a  child recognizing and acting upon the self denial for another and the other as an adult acknowledging the love for another and giving up that which they could take.

Romans is a revealing book in the Bible all about dying to self.  Read it on your own for a much more in depth look at D.I.E.T.S.   I find the beauty of the whole thought here, "those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." (Romans 8:5  NIV application study bible).  Even if you aren't a Bible  reader, this book will teach you much about how the world around us.

So how can I die to self today....? Would love to hear your thoughts.....
l