Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and said “Drop Dead”?!!!
I have many times.
This flesh that I have HAS to die daily! Things I want to do or know I should, I don’t. The things I know I shouldn’t do, here I go again doing them!
Why!?! Because I live in this flesh. Yes the Lord saved me and removed that ole stinky inner sinner (Adam) but I still live in this rotten flesh. I have to bring it into obedience.
I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
Romans 7:21-23
Why should I tell myself to drop dead every day?
I have the Holy Spirit living within me who is working to conform me into the Image of Christ. He indwells me, He is teaching me daily to long for things that are holy and pure. He convicts me of wrong actions, motives, thoughts, words, etc… He is love, so He shows me how to love in the toughest situations. He shows me where Christ hung on the cross, I should hang and die to my selfish desires daily. Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” 1 Corinthians 15:31b “…I die daily.”
How do I drop dead daily?
I’ve got to wake up every morning and submit myself to the Lord. In James 4:7 He tells us “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This goes for my flesh. When I am wholly surrendered to the Lord I find it easy to resist temptations and those desires go away. I also have to keep my personal walk with the Lord in a renewed mode. Romans 12:1-2 Every day I need to present my body a living sacrifice. I have to redirect myself to the scriptures, Proverbs 16:9 “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” Make sure everything I’m doing is directed and guided through His Word.
When do I drop dead? And how many times can I?
Every single moment of every single day. I’ve got to drop dead as often and as much as needed. This ole flesh likes to have things my own way. If I’m dead to it, then my ways are no longer controlled by me but by His Spirit that lives in me. I want to live a Spirit-filled life. I want the things I do to be overflowing with the love of Christ. Therefore I’ve got to let go (drop dead) to me-to Shannon.
Do you ever find yourself struggling with your flesh rising up and you keep giving in to it? If so my friend, there is a victorious Christian life to be had. All you need to do is stand in front of the mirror and look yourself in the eyes and say “ Drop Dead! You’re not having your way today missy! You’re gonna walk after the Spirit!” I promise you, Victory lies ahead!