Die to Self: Living as a True Disciple of Christ
One of the most challenging truths for any believer is this: if you are a follower of Christ, there is no such thing as “me time.” Why? Because me is dead.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Galations 2:20
If that verse is true for us, then we are called to be living sacrifices. That means when God asks us to do something, our response can’t be, “Well, God, I don’t really want to.” Because here’s the reality: it’s not about us.
This is why Jesus said, “Take up your cross daily and follow Me.” That requires dying to ourselves every single day. There will be times when you don’t feel like doing what God wants you to do. But if you know it’s from Him, you obey.
Always Available for God’s Work
As followers of Jesus, we carry the Gospel with us everywhere we go because the Holy Spirit lives inside of us. That means we can’t put up a sign that says:
- Out to Lunch
- Be Back in 30 Minutes
- Unavailable Right Now
Instead, we need to be people who say, “I am available.” There used to be a Christian song with that title, and that should be the motto of every believer.
One thing we love about our church family is that when a need pops up, whether it’s through GroupMe or word of mouth, many people respond quickly: “I’ll help. I’ll do what I can.” That’s amazing! But we also know the reality: 20% of the people often do 80% of the work.
We need more believers saying:
- Yes, I’m available.
- Yes, I can.
- Yes, Lord, use me.
Too often, when we pray “Lord, use me,” what we really mean is:
- Use me tomorrow.
- Use me when it fits in my schedule.
- Use me on October 32nd!
But God’s appointments aren’t always on our calendar. Sometimes they happen at your office water cooler.
Divine Appointments in Everyday Life
Think about Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). She was just going about her daily routine, getting water, and had no idea she was about to encounter the Savior.
People you meet every day may feel like they’re living through the same old routine. But your conversation with them could change their eternal destiny.
That’s why we need to stay open, flexible, and willing to engage in meaningful conversations—even if they take longer than we planned. Sometimes we need to leave margin in our schedules so God can use us.
Don’t Judge Who God Can Save
Never prejudge what God can do in someone’s life. You might look at a person and think, “God can’t save them.” But if that’s true, how did He save you?
The truth is this: without Jesus, all of us are hopeless and lost. No one shines bright enough on their own to stand before God. It is only through Christ that we are made right with Him.
So instead of doubting, pray for the people you think are far from God. Sometimes those are the exact people God is preparing to meet through you.
Be a Church on Mission
As a church, we can’t just say, “Come to us.” We should absolutely invite people to worship, but our primary mission is to go—to take the Good News outside the walls of the church.
The early church understood this: they went to where people were, met needs, and shared the Gospel. That’s what God is calling us to do today.
So here’s the question: Are you available?
Looking for a Church in Fayetteville, GA?
If you’re searching for a church that loves Jesus and lives on mission, we’d love for you to visit us at 479 Inman Road or 193 Johnson Avenue in Fayetteville, Georgia. Come grow with us, get equipped, and live out the calling God has placed on your life.