Gal. 2:20 -I am crucified with Christ, yet now I no longer live, yet 'not I, but Christ' liveth in me and the live I live by faith in the Son of God.

these words, 'not I, but Christ' - herein lies a key to walking in the Spirit, to freedom in Christ, to joy, to peace, etc. etc.
It has been taught that 'I' have 'no rights.' so true. I assume so much, and none of it is really true as long as self is first - it is me deceiving myself.
1 Cor. 6:20 and 7:23 tell us that we are bought with a price and 'are not our own.' So why do we think and act like we are our own? we aren't, whether we live that way or not.

I read the other day that it is not a matter of giving up sin, but giving up my right to myself, my natural independence - and this is where the battle is fought. When I give up 'my' rights, then the giving up of anything else is easy - or easier - a little.

Jesus said , 'If any man would be my disciple, let him deny himself.' Matt 16:24 tough!

yet why is that? In 'reality' when we 'give up ourselves' and want God's will, it is always the Best - sometimes it is in 'the long view - eternity' because, we always want what we think is best according to what we 'see' and 'have.'

Oswald Chambers says that "the characteristics of individuality are independence and self-assertiveness. It is the continual assertion of individuality that hinders our spiritual life more than anything else." mufhh, day12/11

in the world today we are taught that to be 'great' - we should be 'ourselves' - me-first, how does it affect me? - if i don't take up for me, no one will - etc etc. we strive to be independent and put our good first. -

Jesus taught just the opposite - deny self. Phil. 2:1-11.

Things in the spiritual world of Almighty God - the maker of heaven and earth - sovereign God, etc. things are so often opposite of what they 'seem.' To save our life, we 'lose it.' the first shall be last. give to receive. die to live!! be 'captive to be FREE.'
These truths are only understandable by revelation and the willingness to yield.

Give us grac, God, so that we may live and honor You.
why do be wait so long? we 'think' we know best for us. We DON"T.