Death to self occurs at the moment of salvation , we are “born again” its when we are crucified with Christ, as stated in Romans 6:6.
At this point, we receive a new nature because the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us (John 14:17).
However, sometimes it takes time for us to willingly make sacrifices.
If you can recall, there are times when you might be in a pickle and you start praying. Oh Lord, if you just help me out, I will go to church or oh Lord, if you get me out of the situation or change my ways , or Lord if you let me survive, I will do better …..and then you come out of that pickle ; you get out of that jam and you survive the situation were in and then you don’t follow through
So we’re really not ready to sacrifice everything to grow closer to God. You haven’t followed through even though God followed through. We must stop acting as if God grants us wishes he is not a genie. He is your Lord and you should be obedient or at least follow through and keep your word.
When we truly value what God has given us, we can experience the freedom He intends for us. Jesus’ purpose is to shape us into His likeness, as outlined in Romans 8:29.
But to fulfill this calling, we must be willing to place Christ in a prominent position in our lives. That means put him above everything and everyone else above your self and your significant other your parents your children, friends, money …everything .
This means that the Lord calls us to the cross on a daily basis.
and lay down anything that distracts us from serving and following Him.
It’s important to understand that God isn’t asking us to give up everything so we see ourselves as lonely or poor.
Instead, laying down our treasures—whether they are possessions, relationships, or dreams—at the foot of the cross frees us from worldly attachments. You don’t want to worship money, things, you don’t want to brag about how much money you have , you don’t want to brag about who you gave $ to , you are to give quietly. Don’t throw money at a junkie you’re not helping him. Don’t throw money at people using you give to those who you know lives could be better by your help. A single parent raising kids, battered women, veterans living with ptsd, elderly who struggle to have food and medicine. Surprise someone with a car not a new car but a used one. If a woman’s or man is driving a 1980 Toyota that body looks like Swiss cheese maybe get them a 2000 Toyota or a something better they will be just as grateful. Pay a persons medical bill ease their burden, do good with what you have , if your broke volunteer , help in other ways. but don’t idolize it ! we must release these things, so our self-esteem no longer depends on them, and our sense of acceptance comes from being complete in the Lord. As Paul said, we are alive in God through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:11).
We must be a blessing to others but we should never worship fame and money more than we do our God.
When we idolize money it ourself it sets us up for the devil to slide in to convince you you are better than God
Your not.
So when you are saved you start to put God first and you will begin to grow.
Peace.
Joyful-Echoes 