We can sum up the source of grief in one word – self-centeredness. Regardless of what difficulties you have faced, or are going to face in this world, being self-centered causes it or at the very least makes it worse. The Bible has a lot to say about dying to self.
Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (NKJ)
What is the flesh and how do we crucify it? The Bible is not talking about self-mutilation. The Bible is talking about a mindset – what we allow ourselves to think and focus on.
Romans 8:5-8 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded (self-centered*) is death, but to be spiritually minded (Christ-minded/others-minded*) is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (NKJ) (*emphasizes mine)
Thoughts are what form actions. The more you think about a thing, the more likely you are to act upon that thought. Then it gets to the point where that act becomes habitual.
Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. (NKJ)
The battle we fight is the one between our ears – our thoughts. So much time and energy are wasted on unproductive thoughts. Idle thoughts are not harmless. They will separate us form the life God has planned for us. We become unfruitful by thinking about the wrong things.
Ephesians 4:17-24 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
You cannot get a reaction from a dead man. You cannot offend him. He simply does not respond to the insults.
Romans 6:5-7 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. (NKJ)
To be dead to something means it’s no longer an interest to you. You no longer give it the attention you once did.
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (NKJ)
No one enjoys being crucified. Jesus Himself endued His crucifixion. It wasn’t pretty, but painful. Endurance leads to joy. When you get rid of self-centeredness, the trials no longer matter. Faith in what Jesus already did gives you that power.
Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. (NKJ)
Hebrews 11: 4 By faith Abel… 5 By faith Enoch… 7 By faith Noah… 8 By faith Abraham… 11 By faith Sarah… 20 By faith Isaac… 21 By faith Jacob… 22 By faith Joseph… 23 By faith Moses… 31 By faith the harlot Rahab… 32 And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: 33 who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again. (NKJ)
1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. (NKJ)
1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, (NKJ)
James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (NKJ)
