The Joyful Death

by Heather Tietz

For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.

Colossians 3:3-4

Our birth into the Christian faith, ironically, begins with death. But this death has no solemn funeral. It is a joyful parting, a set of wings. When we die to ourselves we resurrect, free.

Our obsession with Self begins at birth. It is a wearisome addiction. Self is a dictator. It demands to speak first. It does not a listen well. It demands its own way. It does not compromise or share. It lusts after other’s belongings. There is no joy for other’s blessings. It is obsessed with appearance and compromises finances for vanity. It seeks comfort at the expense of others, ruining friendships, marriages and lives.

But, when Self dies, oh what a freedom Christ gives! Putting Him first, His ears and eyes, His hands and feet, we come alive. Putting aside Self gives us meaning, every day purpose. We were created to praise God and care for others.

If Self isn’t in the way, we can see the holes around us we were meant to fill. Our new freedom gives us courage. It gives us compassion. It gives us a healthy sense in who we are and who God is making us to be. Death of Self, birth in Christ, brings us this abundant life, full of all the things worth pursuing, worth having, worth living for. It readies us for life with God in Glory.