I have been studying this biblical precept for several months under the auspices of the Holy Spirit. The definition of dying to self is the process of becoming refined into the character of God.
This is a lengthy and never ending period of time. Jesus is crucifying your natural life. You cannot escape this transformation because it is divinely ordained by God.
If you are serious about God expect deeper refinement along with severe testing and trials.
In reviewing the writings of the great spiritual pioneers they all use scripture, personal testimonies, and analogies to describe this surgical work of God. But the result is the same. They all agree we have to deal with sorrow, loss and pain.
If you are a believer you have entered into this process of natural death. This will be accompanied by pain and suffering at times.
You cannot hurry the process along because it takes a lot of work to get the barnacles removed from your personality.
God sees everything about you. He knows all your vulnerabilities and weaknesses. He sees the depth of your natural life which is mostly hidden from you.
The refinement of the Cross touches every aspect of your thoughts, words and decision making.
God wants believers to walk in oneness with Him and live by faith and not by what they see with their eyes. This happens by giving the Holy Spirit authority over your life and learning to listen to the voice of God.
The Christ follower must learn how to operate like God without the influence of ego and pride. You must also learn how to reject worldly wisdom and actions which are engrained in society.
God wants your loyalty and obedience even though it may be very costly and painful.
It is impossible to live for Christ without experiencing the death of self and the purification of your inner self.
Dying to self gives you the fullness of the life of Christ!
Hal Hollister Ministry 