byI have observed from nature that there is always an old self and a new self. A seed in the right condition is buried and undergoes a tough decaying process to become a seedling, then a tree (the seed the old self, the tree the new self). A butterfly’s metamorphosis begins with an egg, then a larvae, then a pupa, where its body breaks down into a “tissue cell soup” and then reforms into the butterfly’s body, including wings, legs, and eyes. Then it becomes an adult butterfly (the egg is the old self, the butterfly is the new self). As a man, you must undergo some metamorphosis in your life too. For instance, for you to receive the gifts of the Spirit, You must change from being carnal to being spiritual. That change is possible by crucifying your old self, and we will soon know what this means.
What does crucifying your old self mean?
In the kingdom of God, the old self means the flesh with its affections and lusts. Flesh, in this sense, is not the body’s outer layer per se but man’s carnal nature. Man has a sinful nature. How many married men have not seen women they think are prettier and better than their wives and lust after them? How many ladies see their mates in good employment or good marriages and are genuinely happy for them without envying them? That is the nature of man. It takes some transformation for man to not only stop thinking like that but not to proceed to satisfy those selfish needs. To crucify your old self means to repent and change from your carnal nature.
Why you must crucify your old self
When you crucify your old self, you proclaim you belong to Christ. In Galatians 5:24, the Bible says, “… they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts.” Galatians 4:6 also mentions that God has sent the Spirit of His Son into the hearts of His sons because they are His sons. Those who have this Spirit believe in the Son, and they have entered the kingdom of God (see John 3:5).
The purpose of man on earth got diverted in the Garden of Eden, affecting generations. Now we have to seek and find God, and let His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. You can only do this by first carrying your cross and crucifying your old self. Only then would you find true purpose and meaning to this life and anticipate the life beyond. After you crucify your old self, you become born again. You get a new life.
How do you crucify your old self?
Crucifying yourself is an intentional act. No one will crucify you. Jesus has taken that crucifixion. Now, you have to crucify your old self. You need to change your way of thinking and mind and regret your past sins and conduct. These things do not come naturally. The surest way you can do this is through the Word of God in your spirit. By submitting to the word of God, you are crucifying your old self.
In John 1:1-4, we learn that Jesus Christ is the Word of God and in Him is life. This same Jesus is referred to as “the rock the builders rejected but has beoame the chief cornerstone”. If you fall on this Rock, Jesus Christ, you will be broken. Broken, in this sense, means that your old self will die, and you will change into a new man. In Acts 9:1-9, we see how he was transformed when the word of God came to Saul. His life, deeds and even his name changed. He found his true purpose and ran the race till he finished successfully (see 2 Timothy 4:7). The Word of God, no matter the form it comes in, can help you crucify your old self.
