Death As a “Spiritual Discipline”

In the last newsletter, I wrote about the seed that dies giving benefit to the ground it dies in. We are called to die by serving and sacrificing for others here on this earth so that the fruit of the Kingdom might grow. That principle is clearly true throughout Scripture – we’re meant to lay down our lives for others. Equally true though is the multitude of Scriptures that call us to die to ourselves daily (Lk. 9:23, Gal. 2:20, 1 Co. 15:31–one of my favorites for this topic, 2 Co. 4:10-11, etc.). How many of us intentionally practice daily death though? Of course, it is difficult to die as a seed in the ground for others when we haven’t even learned to die daily to ourselves. 

Philippians 3:7-11

When you’re writing you’re not supposed to tell people to go away from your writing, because they might not come back… but I’d much rather you get lost where I’m sending you! Before reading the rest of this article, I’d encourage you to read Philippians 3:7-11. Read it slowly and prayerfully, at least 3-4 times. 

Death As a Spiritual Discipline

In Philippians 3, Paul counts everything as a loss – he allows it to die! – that he might know Christ more. When we think about spiritual disciplines we often think about things like prayer, Bible reading, meditation, silence, etc. My church knows I much prefer the phrase “means of grace” instead of spiritual disciplines. A discipline carries with it a negative connotation of something that you don’t really want to do but feel like you should. A means of grace is simply a means by which we interact with, or better receive the grace of God. This sounds good! Though I prefer the term “means of grace,” for this topic, however, “spiritual discipline” is probably the right term! 

What if spiritual disciplines in the Christian life aren’t just reading Scripture and worship…what if it also includes intentional daily deaths? Small, sacrificial acts, that intentionally put to death selfishness inside of us, as a means of decreasing (Jn. 3:30) and considering others as more significant than ourselves (Phil. 2:1-5). 

What if, as a regular practice, we said, “I will lay down my life, just a little bit more today.” According to Philippians 3, and Philippians as a whole, you’ll actually gain the very thing you’re looking for– life! Such is the oxymoronic Kingdom of Christ. 

The Scriptures seem clear that serving, sacrificing, and dying is a way to know Christ more and to experience more life. James tells us that suffering should be joy-worthy for this reason (Jas. 1:2-4) and Paul echoes a similar truth in his letters (Rom. 5 :3-5). Our flesh tries to lie to us and tell us this isn’t the reality – but our flesh doesn’t like self-sacrifice because self-sacrifice kills our flesh! And the more it dies, the more room there is for Christ to come alive in us. 

Practically, What Does This Look Like?

If you learn to suffer in the small daily things (i.e. I’m not going to watch TV today, I’m not going to buy this so I can be more intentional in giving, I’m going to talk to that person in this uncomfortable situation), you’ll learn to do the bigger things, like, say, singleness, well. When the sickness comes, you’ll know how to rejoice in having little (Phil. 4:11-12). When there’s a season (or a life) of suffering, you’ll be used to laying yourself down and choosing Christ and His ways. You’ll also take far more joy in the blessings – for which of us deserves a single thing anyway (1 Co. 4:7, Jas. 1:17, Ps. 103:10)?! 

So maybe today you choose to do your roommate’s dishes, not only not looking for a compliment or thanks, but seeking to do it in secret as a spiritual discipline (Mt. 6:3-4)! Maybe you bless your wife, not looking for some benefit from that blessing but simply seeking to be like Jesus. Jesus is our great model here, isn’t He? 

Jesus died daily, and I mean way before the incarnation. Jesus redeemed humanity even though it cost him – daily (Deut. 32)! He held stubborn Israel, kept them through their rebellion, provided for them, and was “cheated on” by Israel over and over again (Jer. 3). Then he came and he physically died. Yet that death led to life, and even now he reigns forever above all things. Further, we are indeed His reward (Heb. 12)! Jesus’ death was not only our gain but also his. He is our example, fulfillment, atonement, and our power to now live like him! 

Perhaps today we resolve not just to read the Bible more (yes, do this as well!), but to die daily, and see if we don’t know and see Christ more in the process. Perhaps, in the long run, you’ll be more alive than you ever imagined.