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 declared that unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies it can only be a single seed. But if it dies, it produces a big harvest. What did Jesus mean by that saying? Of course He meant for His body to die and thus producing many saints for the glory of God.

How does it apply to me, as a single Christian you might wonder!

You see the problem with today’s Christianity is that no one wants to die to the world. Everyone of us want to live just like the world lives and still continue to live as a Christian. For this reason many Christians live a contradictory life.

“Dying to the world” is a phrase, that means to detach one’s motives and desires from the temporary, corruptible, and sinful systems and values of this earthly existence, redirecting that focus toward God and His eternal will. This detachment allows for the emergence of a new self centered on faith in Christ, rather than on self-reliance, worldly possessions, or praise. 

Biblical Roots

The phrase is rooted in New Testament passages, such as Galatians 6:14, where a believer’s identity with Christ’s crucifixion leads to a metaphorical “death” to the world, and the world to them. 

Meaning and Application

• Detachment from Worldly Desires: It involves not being overly concerned with worldly possessions, power, or pleasure, understanding that these are fleeting. 
• Focus on the Eternal: Instead of seeking fulfillment in temporary things, one seeks fulfillment in God’s eternal promises and way of life. 
• A New Identity: Becoming “dead to the world” means the old, self-reliant, and sinful self dies, giving way to a new self that lives by faith and is united with Christ. 
• Inner Peace: This spiritual condition brings inner peace, making one impervious to the world’s slander, praise, poverty, or wealth. 
• Living for God: The result is a focus on God’s love, mercy, and compassion, emulating Christ’s example rather than worldly pursuits.

If any person who calls himself a Christian but has not experienced this type of death, then he is not a born again Christian believer. Therefore he is unable to produce much grain.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!