Self-preservation is a practice to be counted among the weak. It takes no strength, courage, faith, or character to do what best suits you. Modern culture would have you believe that “do what is best for you and you alone” is a recipe for joy and peace.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. The more you give in to selfish desires, the more alienated and isolated you become; leading to depression and loneliness.
Die to self, suffer with and for your people, extending a hand of solace in the dark places of life. This is the way of Christ. His selfless sacrifice on the cross stands as the ultimate demonstration of love and self-sacrifice—a demonstration that transcends all barriers.
As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate his example by dying to self and living for others. This means prioritizing the needs of others above our own desires, seeking to alleviate suffering, and promoting justice and reconciliation in the world. It requires a willingness to step out of our comfort zones, to bear the burdens of others, and to make sacrifices for the greater good.
That’s not always easy, especially when you feel as if no one cares. But ultimately, in being self-sacrificial you glorify and please God, even if there isn’t a soul in creation who cares. That’s ultimately the goal, to glorify and please God, so regardless of how you’re treated, die to self anyways. Jesus has suffered such an injustice on a far greater scale than we ever will, the greatest injustice mankind has ever seen was his crucifixion. A perfect and blameless man, willing to give Himself up to fulfill the will of the Father, even as agonizing as it would be. Christ isn’t calling us to something that he hasn’t already done, and isn’t willing to strengthen us through.
In a world that often tells us to look out for ourselves, may we love one another as Christ has loved us — willing to sacrifice ourselves and our desires for the sake of glorifying God and loving our neighbor as ourself.
Well said!