Never imagine the pleasure we have in the Word is a guarantee that it is being a blessing to us. This is not so; but till we pay the price, only as we daily pay the price, will the truth in its power, will the Spirit of Love, really be ours. And what is the price? “You must give up all that you are, and all that you have from fallen Adam.” The Spirit of Love is a new life; nothing less than giving up all our own life is the price to be paid. You must give up all — all you have and all you are from fallen Adam. That is meant literally. All we are and have from Adam is sinful: it must be given up. Our very life, Christ said, must be hated, must be lost.
— William Law with Commentary by Andrew Murray, Dying to Self, 1898
Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant will be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
John 12: 25-26 (ESV)