John 12:24

²⁴ Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.

Jesus made a profound statement in this verse, “unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” Pondering on this verse I realize the “falling into the ground” Jesus is talking about here includes “dying to self” – which defines the law of productivity.

If we want to be productive in life, we cannot be trapped in the mentality of I, me, and myself alone. No, we cannot become great with the parochial mindset of me, me, me. We must discover a greater purpose that transcends the single benefit of “self”; we must embrace a larger cause that is less focused on self, but on others as well.

This means we must begin to seek a greater benefit in our community, church, workplace, and the body of Christ as a whole. Our interests, pursuits, and activities must constantly be ruled by these thoughts – “how can I be a blessing to people within my circle of influence, how can I help others, how can I put a smile on someone’s face, how can I make life better for my friends, neighbors, families, and those within my community.”

When we focus on others, we are dying to self; we are serving Christ, and producing much fruit! One thing is certain – when we seek the benefit of others, God will be seeking our own benefit.

Is your purpose in life solely beclouded by self-gratification, self-benefits, self-promotion? If so you cannot achieve much. Ask for grace to see beyond yourself; to embrace a larger purpose and a noble cause that would live on, even after your death.

Pray that your will die to “self”; so that your life will become a channel of blessing that flows freely to the far ends of the earth!