The Path Of Self Denial.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matt. 16:24.

A story is told about a young man who desperately wanted to meet Christ. He was praying hard about it. One day, the Lord told him to walk up the mountain carrying his cross. He took his cross and began his journey. In some time, he began to feel the heaviness of the cross. He cut out a small portion of it and began to walk. Soon later, he still felt the cross heavy. He again cut out another portion and continued his journey. This happened a few more times till he finally reached the mountain top. There, he found Jesus standing at the peak of another neighbouring mountain. 

Jesus told him, “My son, now lay down your cross and walk over it to me.” But as he laid down his cross, he found that it could not bridge the two mountains. The gap was exactly the same that he had cut down. He realized that had he managed to bear the cross without cutting it down, he would have reached Jesus. We are all commanded to bear our Cross and follow Jesus. Don't cut your Cross, bear it as a whole. Don't cut corners while on your journey to Jesus. Rather let him help you, don't help yourself, don't become crafty and shifty in your persuasion and walk. We have been called into a peculiar lifestyle, it's not a call into self indulgence rather a call into self denial as believers and followers of Jesus.

Walking in self-denial, generally means consistently choosing to prioritize a higher purpose, often spiritual or moral, over personal desires and comforts. It involves a willingness to sacrifice personal wants and needs for the sake of a greater good, such as aligning with godly and divine ideals, serving others, or pursuing a challenging goal. It's a conscious effort to resist selfish impulses and focus on what is considered more important, whether that's spiritual growth, ethical conduct, or the well-being of others. Self-denial is not about self-deprivation for its own sake, but rather about choosing a path that aligns with the purpose of God for your life and existence. You must at all times be willing to forgo sensual and mundane pleasures, comforts, or personal preferences to align with the chosen purpose. If you do this , you will not be chopping your Cross but bearing it towards your Master. Selah!

FURTHER READING:

“Then Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” Luke. 9:23.

“Whoever loves his life will lose it, but 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, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.” John. 12:25-26.

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. Lord,  I come before you today asking for the grace to walk in self-denial. Help me to deny myself, take up my cross daily, and follow you. Grant me the strength to resist temptations and the desires of the flesh that lead me away from your path. Teach me to embrace sacrifice and to find joy in serving you rather than indulging in worldly pleasures. I pray for a spirit of humility and a willingness to let go of anything that hinders my relationship with you. In the mighty name of Jesus,  amen." 

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:   

Jer. 4:1-31.

Jer. 5:1-31.

Jer. 6:1-30.

Jer. 7:1-34.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“We Are All Called To Self Denial, Not To Self Indulgence. If You Believe Then Obey.”