So Long Self

I'm not really a fan of New Year's Resolutions. When someone puts "Get in Shape" on their resolution list for the 7th year in a row, do they really believe this is going to be the year it actually happens? Deep down inside, I doubt it. Which is probably why most New Year's Resolutions have gone kaput by now....12 days in.

So this year I made only one resolution. That doesn't mean I'm not hoping to make some changes. I am. I have more weight to lose and more debt to payoff. I have some organizational tools I want to implement and some spiritual habits and attitudes I want to refine. It's an imposing list. One that I am completely incapable of. So my one and only New Year's Resolution is to die to self more completely every day.

Dying to self is one of those Christian principles that can seem strange to those who don't know Jesus. After all, the world teaches us that if we are truly living a successful life, we are being "true to ourselves" and "doing what makes us happy". My problem is that when I am true to myself and doing what makes me happy, I'm spending money at Sephora like I've won the lottery and finishing that up with a 3-course meal at "The Cheesecake Factory". Not a recipe for success.

So while dying to self may sound harsh and unappealing to some, I see it as an opportunity for freedom. God knows my short-comings. He knows how much I love to spend money, be lazy and eat fattening foods. He knows how prideful and selfish I can be. He also knows that I am capable of so much better than that. If I will let Him take control. He wants me to live in victory over these things, but He knows I can't do it on my own. So He tells me to let Him have the reigns and He will lead me to success. That is dying to self. Letting go of all of the self-centered attitudes I have and holding on to Him.

A couple of weeks ago I discovered a show on Gospel Music Television while scanning the channels one night. It's called "Faith and Fame" and it's essentially a "Behind the Music" for the Christian Music Scene. I watched an episode about MercyMe and was reminded of a song of theirs I hadn't listened to in awhile. It's called "So Long Self" and I have decided to adopt it as my theme song for 2009. The Chorus goes like this:

So long self Well it's been fun, but I have found somebody else
So long self There's just no room for two
So you are gonna have to move
So long self Don't take this wrong but you are wrong for me farewell
Oh well, Goodbye, don't cry
So Long Self

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (NLT)

Part of dying to self for me is also putting away the list of things I want to accomplish and being obedient to God's priorities. While I have many things I would love to change about myself overnight, God knows which ones are most important and most necessary for me if I'm going to be the servant He envisions I can be. So while I would like to be making all of the changes right now, He has called me to focus on just a couple of them. Which is requiring me to be patient. Which is another thing I need to work on......