The Death of the Kingdom of Self
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time.
Reading: Luke 9:23-25
Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read.
After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you highlighted in the passage and what is going on in your life.
Jesus uses violent imagery when He calls us to "take up our cross daily." This isn't accidental—it's intentional. Following Jesus requires the death of the Kingdom of Self, where we are the focus, the goal, and the priority. Our culture celebrates self-fulfillment, self-actualization, and self-care above all else. But Jesus offers a paradox: you find your life by losing it. When we live for ourselves, we become the worst versions of ourselves—difficult in relationships, selfish at work, destructive in families. The cross represents a daily, painful, intentional transformation. It's not about self-improvement but self-replacement. Today, identify one area where the Kingdom of Self still reigns in your life. What would it look like to surrender that throne to Jesus?
Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…
Faith Steps:
Reading: Luke 9:23-25
Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read.
After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you highlighted in the passage and what is going on in your life.
Jesus uses violent imagery when He calls us to "take up our cross daily." This isn't accidental—it's intentional. Following Jesus requires the death of the Kingdom of Self, where we are the focus, the goal, and the priority. Our culture celebrates self-fulfillment, self-actualization, and self-care above all else. But Jesus offers a paradox: you find your life by losing it. When we live for ourselves, we become the worst versions of ourselves—difficult in relationships, selfish at work, destructive in families. The cross represents a daily, painful, intentional transformation. It's not about self-improvement but self-replacement. Today, identify one area where the Kingdom of Self still reigns in your life. What would it look like to surrender that throne to Jesus?
Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…
- Begin your time in prayer by taking 1-3 minutes to sit in silence (You can take longer if you sense the Spirit already beginning to speak to you).
- Pray through the things you sensed God speaking to you through the Scriptures or pray the following prayer: “Lord, show me where the Kingdom of Self is still ruling in my heart. I surrender that area to You. Teach me to take up my cross daily and trust that losing my life for You is how I truly find it.”
- Close by taking 5 minutes to sit in silence, asking God if there is anything else He wants to speak to you today.
Faith Steps:
- Identify one specific area (time, finances, relationships, reputation) where self-interest dominates. Take one tangible step to surrender it today.
- When faced with a decision, pause and ask: “Is this building my kingdom or God’s?” Choose accordingly.
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