Deny Yourself

“Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 ESV 

Self-denial is not a popular topic in our culture in a day of selfies and self-centered living. Self-denial however is a necessary requirement for those who choose to follow Jesus. To follow Jesus requires that we deny our self-focused will and desires and take up our cross.

Our cross represents death to self-will in order to embrace God’s will. Our cross is where the carnal fleshly nature dies; it’s where we die to selfish tendencies and self-will that is contrary to what God desires for our life. Our cross is what we take up in our pursuit of God that requires a level of sacrifice that costs us everything. “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:24 ESV. To be a follower of Jesus requires that we deny our self and take up our cross.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Thank you Jesus for giving us the opportunity to be your disciple by choosing to deny our self and take up our cross. Help us to fully recognize this opportunity and choose to follow you regardless of the cost.

God bless,

Pastor Matt