Jesus Is Lifeنموونە

Dying to Live

“You do you” is a commonly used term these days. But is this statement a good motto for a Christian? Let’s look at John the Baptist.

We studied John the Baptist earlier, but remember, he was born before Jesus. He was set apart to pave the way for the Savior. He was a pioneer for Jesus, and many pioneers’ lives are cut short because of the major opposition they face.

One day, he was baptizing people and his disciples reported that they had seen Jesus’ disciples baptizing, too. Maybe they felt like Jesus competed with their ministry, or maybe they were jealous because Jesus’ following had multiplied.

But not John the Baptist. He knew his calling, and that led him to say, “You do you, Jesus.” Just kidding! In John 3:30, he said, “I must decrease. He must increase.”

John the Baptist knew his role, his purpose, and his part in God’s great plan. His ministry was specific—he was chosen to prepare the way. Everyone who came after him would participate in the new way of life God offered humanity through Jesus.

So, as Christians, it’s not “You do you.”

Remember John 3:3, tells us we must be born again, and to be born again means you die to yourself so that your new life in Christ starts! You must decrease, so that He can increase.

The Christian life is a call to die—die to your agenda, die to your desires, die to your glory for His glory. Just like Jesus died to be resurrected, every time you die to yourself, you come alive in Christ, which is a far better life.

It’s that abundant life we talked about at the beginning of this study! Dying to yourself means allowing Christ to come alive in you, so you’ll use your gifts, your body, and your personality for His purpose, His plan, and His glory.

The moment you said yes to Jesus, you crossed over from death to life (John 5:24). You died and were “born again.” You became new!

In fact, John 1:12-13, says that when you first believed, you became a child of God. And 1 Peter 2:11, says that you are now an alien to this world. In Galatians 2:20, it says it's no longer you that lives, but Christ who lives in you.

You became the righteousness of Christ, doing nothing out of selfish ambition (Philippians 2:3-4). You are called to carry your cross just like Jesus did. You are invited to crucify your desires, to die daily, and to put on your new self (Ephesians. 4:22-24). You are called to live breath by breath, step by step in oneness with Christ because Christ in you is the hope of glory!

The next time you feel discouraged, hurt, lost, or selfish, remember what John the Baptist said, “I must decrease, He must increase.”

Consider:

What was John’s focus? What should our focus be?

Everyone who believes in Jesus has a calling. What is yours?

What are some ways you can die to yourself so that Christ can be glorified instead?

Prayer:

Father, thank You for new, abundant life in Christ! Today I ask You to live through me. I lay down my agendas and plans. Reveal the triggers when I am selfish rather than revealing You. Help me die to myself so that You may be glorified.

*Keep up the good work on your Jesus Is … journal!