Death before life
“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (NIV) John 12:24
We are called by God to death, through this death, we are said to gain life. Therefore, we need to "kill" our bodies. In 1 Cor 9:27, Paul says he beats his body and makes it his slave so he would not be disqualified. This is one way of killing ourselves.
Our bodies desire a lot of untoward stuff. We need to discipline our bodies to make sure that they do not have their way. Some people assume that being born again means being rid of one's carnal desires, but that is not the case. After becoming a Christian, your fleshly drives abound as ever. But what thankfully changes about you is the renewal of your mind (Romans 12:2). The flesh always wars AGAINST the mind which is controlled by the spirit. But as your spirit feeds on God's word and prays, the grace of God multiplies and your spirit receives training from the Holy Spirit. Your spirit is as a result is strengthened to win the bout against the flesh. As we do this, we are surrendering to God by offering our bodies as living sacrifices, killed before the altar but at the same time, full of life by the Spirit; holy and pleasing to God (Rom 12:1-2).
Therefore, it is not far-fetched that one requirement for becoming a Christian is to be crucified with Christ. This act is represented physically by burial in water - baptism. After one is raised up out of the water, one is said to have been raised up from the dead with Christ to live in newness of life (Romans 6:4).
Death before life, then life through continual death: a mystery revealed; a union of contrasts; a tickling paradox; a deep sage is our God.
Reflection
In what ways can you sacrifice the desires of your flesh to enrich your Spirit?