Dying For Christ

Today, it is hard to find anyone who has thought about dying for Christ in their everyday life and what that means. We don't really even want to sicken the old sin nature for the sake of the cross, but sometimes we may do it a little, expecting to be applauded by the Almighty recognizing our great sacrifice for the Kingdom. The truth is we must learn to kill the old nature every day, and take up our cross and follow Jesus in the newness of life we have been given by His sacrifice, not just wound it. In Leviticus, it was up to the one bringing the sacrifice to do the killing, then the priest would do His work. In like manner spiritually, we may understand that this is a type for us as New Covenant believers to see that we must kill our own selfish and natural flesh man to be able to take up our instrument of death and follow Him who already is walking ahead of us and preparing the way of righteousness. The work for our righteousness has already been accomplished, all it takes from us is obedience to His word through our actions, to follow in His footsteps as a little child and find the Kingdom of God that is available for us through our humility. Strength comes from weakness, love from hate. We understand our weaknesses from humanity, hatred for our sinful thoughts and actions, and the strength and love of Christ are manifested in us, from our weakness He is made strong, from our hatred of sin and it's effects, love for righteousness and justice. A merciful and patient life that is known by love,  is the result of one who loves Jesus above all things, including their own life also. Love Him and be known by Him. The full power of God is manifested in such a life of obedience and humility.
Luke 14:26
“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.

Luke 9:
²³ Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. ²⁴ For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. ²⁵ For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? ²⁶ For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.