On dying to self, as God desires of His people...

"George Muller, well-known for his great faith and ministry to orphans, was asked the secret of his fruitful service for the Lord. He said, 'There was a day when I died...utterly died.' As he spoke, he bent lower and lower until he almost touched the floor. 'I died to George Muller -- his opinions, his preferences, tastes, and will -- died to the world, its approval or censure -- died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends -- and since then I have studied only to show myself approved unto God.'”

From God: Discover His Character, (Bill Bright, NewLife Publications, 1999).
 

(Comment: Dying to self and allowing Jesus to be Lord in our lives is a great act of liberation.  It sets us free from the bondage of self, and we enter a new dimension of the Spirit.  It's like shedding a cocoon.  We are no longer slaves of self, but of Him.  Everybody is a slave to something.  Our choice is the key to true happiness.)