Sacrificial Self: Sowing to the Spirit

The principle of sowing and reaping in Galatians 6:7-8 serves as a clear reminder that self-effort and self-righteousness cannot produce the life of Christ within us. The old self, with all its striving to be something for God, has already been rejected at Calvary, and the only life that pleases Him is the life of His Son in us. The deception of self is subtle—it can dress up in religious activity, prayer, and service, yet still seek to glorify itself rather than Christ. When self is at the center, even acts of apparent devotion become tainted with pride.

It is essential to recognize that self cannot reform itself. If we attempt to improve the flesh, we are merely sowing to corruption. But the moment we see the finished work of Christ on the Cross—that our old self was already dealt with there—we are freed from its tyranny. The key is not striving to deny self through human effort, but continually yielding every attempt of self-glorification to the Lord. He alone brings forth the life that pleases the Father.

Consider a man who labors tirelessly to polish a dead tree, believing that with enough effort, he can make it bear fruit. No amount of care will ever change its condition. The only way to have fruit is to abandon the dead tree and graft into the living vine. So it is with us—our old self is not meant to be improved but abandoned at the Cross, so that the life of Christ within us may bear the fruit of the Spirit.

When we sow to the flesh, we reap frustration, self-deception, and corruption. But when we sow to the Spirit—yielding to His life in us—we reap the abundance of His presence, power, and peace. Self-denial is not a work we perform, but a reality we embrace, resting in the life Christ has already given us.

Prayer of Trust

Father, we rejoice in the truth that our old self has been fully dealt with at Calvary and that we stand accepted in Christ alone. Thank You that we do not have to strive or seek to be something for You, but can rest in the sufficiency of Your Son’s life in us. We yield every trace of self-exaltation to You, trusting that You alone produce what is truly pleasing in Your sight. May our lives be the overflow of Your Spirit, bearing fruit that glorifies You. Amen.

Final Thought

True freedom comes when we stop striving to improve what was crucified and rest in the life that has already been given. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.

(Credit: Insights drawn from Abide Above, 1-29: Sacrificial Self.)