I was in church today, and instead of feeling relieved, I felt overwhelmed. The pastor was preaching about “dying to self for kingdom fruitfulness.” I understand that being a pastor isn’t easy, but one of the first things I noticed was how sparse the congregation was—many youths in key positions weren’t present. The pastor used this as part of his message.
He preached from John 12:24–25, saying that unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it cannot be fruitful. He emphasized that we all desire spiritual power, higher positions, and financial breakthrough, but we are unwilling to “die to self.” While this is partially true—because dying to self-weakens the flesh and allows the inner man to grow—I believe it deals more with the unseen. Scripture says we reap what we sow in the spirit. (sow in the spirit reap in the spirit, sow in the flesh reap in the flesh) Galatians 6:8.
However, attaining higher positions or financial breakthroughs on earth also requires faith—not just “dying to self.” Dying to self is about conforming to the image of Christ, not necessarily about material success. This raises a question: why do unbelieving nations like Thailand prosper and experience financial breakthroughs without this concept of “dying to self”?
The pastor also said that dying to self is surrender—and I agree that we ought to prioritize God above everything. As Scripture says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you.” In seeking God, other things—like a car, a spouse, or provision—may come, but not necessarily because we seek them. God may withhold certain things if we are not aligned with Him.
He spoke about the humiliation Jesus endured, describing Him as the most valuable grain of wheat that died for us. This is true—Jesus was sinless, defended the poor, healed the sick, and stood for justice, even confronting religious leaders.
He then referenced Philippians 2:5–10, encouraging us to have the same mindset as Christ. That is valid—we came to Christ because He is our root. However, I found an issue when he began to mix metaphors. He said that every “seed” has potential, and if it is not planted, it cannot grow. While that principle is true, Scripture (Luke 8:11) clearly states that the seed is the Word of God. Humans are not seeds; we are vessels that carry the seed.
He went on to say that fruitfulness begins when self-dies. While this aligns with the fruit of the Spirit, fruitfulness is spiritual and not necessarily visible. Then he shifted again, saying people do not serve in the house of God because of pride and a lack of dying to self.
That didn’t sit right with me.
When Jacob first encountered the house of God, he said, “This is a dreadful place… the Lord is in this place” (Genesis 28:16–17). The house of God is meant to carry His presence. The question is: what presence does the church carry today?
I once heard someone say that even if a school is bad, you don’t stop going—you change the school. That’s why many people avoid certain institutions when the quality of learning and character is low. The same logic applies to the church: you don’t just endure dysfunction—you fix it.
In 2 Chronicles 7:1, the glory of God filled the temple. Ephesians 5:2 speaks of Christ’s sacrifice as a fragrant offering. If the church lacks that fragrance of sacrifice and love, people will not be drawn to it.
The church is like a house. If your roof is leaking or your water system is broken, you don’t just stay and tolerate it—you fix it.
Fruits and seeds.
I’ve seen examples in my own family. One aunt served faithfully in church, yet her children have gone in completely different directions. Another, who was not as involved, relocated abroad and progressed significantly. This suggests that progress in life is not solely tied to church activity—it also involves faith, and even unbelievers exercise faith.
Scripture says, “Whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). This applies broadly—even backsliders can call on God and experience deliverance in specific situations.
I also recall a friend who served as a drummer in church. When he lost his job and stopped attending, no one reached out. When he eventually returned, he was criticized instead of supported—and he left. Is that the aroma of Christ? Shouldn’t love come first, followed by correction?
Jesus said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me.” If Christ’s love draws people, then the church—His body—should do the same. But if the church lacks love, it loses that drawing power.
The pastor said no one wants to die, yet everyone wants heaven. That’s true. But personally, I would “die to self” for my relationship with God—not necessarily for an institution. Christ is already the perfect sacrifice. If I could save myself by dying, I wouldn’t need Him.
Scripture says we should have the same mindset as Christ but not claim equality with Him. Humility comes from understanding that we serve because of love, not obligation.
So, if this is the message being preached, why should I serve there?
People once went to church because they believed God answered prayers. Now, many understand that faith plays a major role. If I go to church only for miracles, I am chasing manna—not the Bread of Life. And manna, as we saw in the time of Moses, perishes.
Ultimately, our will must align with God’s will. But the real question is: is the church, as the body of Christ, aligned with God’s will?
As Galatians 2:20 says: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” So, I live for Christ not only for the church.