A Guide to Daily Self-Surrender and Spiritual Growth

Dying to self is a daily, constant conflict where you choose to surrender your own will and inclinations to the will of GodExV 54.3+2. This experience is the very heart of genuine sanctification and is essential for every Christian who desires to reflect the character of ChristLS 237.1+2.

The Daily Commitment

• A Continuous Conflict: Dying to self is not a one-time event but a daily work and a constant fight against the enemy9MR 52.2+1. Paul the apostle exemplified this by stating, "I die daily" 1 Corinthians 15:31.

• Morning Consecration: You should begin each day by consecrating your whole being—soul, body, and spirit—to God20MR 396.1+1. This involves a fresh conversion every single day4T 66.4+1.

• Self-Examination: Use the law of God as a "grand mirror" to search your heart and identify defects or deviations from His will James 1:251MCP 125.3+1.

The Act of Surrender

• Yield Your Will: To die to self, you must yield your plans, ambitious schemes, and selfish desires to be controlled by the Spirit of God15MR 330.1+1.

• Abandon Idols: True surrender requires you to cast out any "darling idols" or secret sins that bind you to the world20MR 288.1+1.

• Choose Duty Over Inclination: When your desires conflict with the will of God, you must choose to do His will, however unpleasant or "crucifying" it may be to your natural heartLS 237.1+2.

Practical Application in Life

• The Home Circle: Begin the work of grace in your own home, conducting yourself with kindness and patience so that your family sees the character of Christ in youCG 548.1+1.

• Temperance and Health: Denying self includes controlling your appetite and practicing strict temperance in eating and drinking to preserve the health of the body and mindCCh 236.1+2.

• Service to Others: Forget yourself by focusing on doing good for others; this unselfish ministry is where self is most effectively kept in subordinationPH097 22.1+1.

• Submitting Thoughts: You must bring even your internal emotions and thoughts into subjection to the will of Christ 2 Corinthians 10:51MCP 125.3+1.

Finding Strength and Rest

• Depend on Divine Power: You cannot die to self in your own strength; you must take hold of God’s strength and trust in the merits of the crucified Saviour Isaiah 27:5CCh 99.1+1.

• Persistence in Prayer: Like Jacob, who wrestled with the Angel, you must be persistent and earnest in your prayers for a transformed character Genesis 32:26PP 196.3+1.

• The Reward of Peace: While the process is painful to the carnal mind, an entire self-surrender is the only path to perfect rest, solid peace, and true spiritual joy2MCP 803.2+1.

By daily subduing your pride and love of approbation, you allow Christ to live and be revealed through you13MR 310.3+2. Heaven will be cheap enough if we obtain it through this path of self-denialExV 54.3+1.