The promise of this verse is much clearer than the condition for its fulfillment. Followers of Jesus have many ways of thinking to ourselves that we are dying to self and living for Jesus. 

Jesus has provided three main avenues whereby we can know whether we are really dying to ourselves:

 1) Scripture - In the book of James, God describes Scripture like a mirror. It reflects our hearts back to us. It's a good sign if you are hungry for God's word and eager to see and hear from Scripture about how God wants you to change and be more like Jesus and less like your sinful nature. Scripture helps us see if we are bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit or wallowing in the desires of the sinful nature.

 2) The Holy Spirit - There are lots of spirits, angels, demons, and humans whispering in our ear. But only the Holy Spirit has the power, wisdom, love, and holiness of God that always aligns with Scripture. Are you brave enough to ask the Holy Spirit to help you fill out a spiritual report card on whether you are dying to yourself, in a way that will produce many seeds and receive the promise of this verse?

 3) Wise Counsel of mature believers - Since our ability to apply Scripture and hear the Holy Spirit are imperfect, we can lay hold of the promise that “many advisors make victory sure.” Are you brave enough to invite others to speak into your life with what the Lord is showing them through Scripture and the Holy Spirit, as you consider whether you are really dying to yourself in the practical choices you make? Or would you rather keep a secret how you spend your time, your money, your attention?

Dear Heavenly Father,

As I read today’s devotional, I realized that I have areas in my life in which I have not died to my own selfish desires, so that I may completely follow Your ways. I commit to reading Your Word while seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance to correct any wrong thoughts or ways within me. I will also seek wise counsel from godly mentors and will submit to their leadership, as I long to follow Your Word in every area of my life. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

If we are mature enough to admit it, we all have areas in our Christian walk in which we need to improve. As you read, are you looking into the mirror of God’s Word and asking the Holy Spirit to show you the ways in which you need to change and grow to mirror Jesus? Do you seek the wise council of mature Christian believers who will train and correct you according to the Word of God? Make today the day you begin to seek to improve your Christian walk in all these ways.