Deny Yourself
The foundation of being a disciple of Jesus Christ
Understanding Self-Denial as a Disciple
In Luke 9:23, Jesus instructs, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me." This scripture outlines three foundational aspects of discipleship, with self-denial as the cornerstone. Just as laying a foundation is crucial before building a house, establishing self-denial is essential for true discipleship.
The Mirror of Identity
Watching my granddaughter Laura play with her reflection in a mirror highlighted this. Our identity transcends physical appearance; it's our soul, our inner self, which God sees.
Cultural Beauty and Inner Worth
Cultural standards of beauty have drastically changed, often driven by cosmetics and surgery, leading many, especially the young, to perceive themselves negatively through filters like those on Instagram. This can result in tragic outcomes like increased suicide rates. God, however, looks at the heart, not outward appearances, as seen when He chose David, not for his stature but for his inner qualities. The Hebrew word "levav" signifies not just the physical heart but the whole inner self.
Courage and Self-Denial
Courage is pivotal among virtues because it enables us to live out our beliefs amidst peer pressure. Denying ourselves involves confronting personal challenges, including our ego. An elder once told me not to apologize for having an ego because God gives it to us to use for His purpose. This means stepping out, risking embarrassment or failure, to serve God's kingdom.
Outreach as Self-Denial
Outreach isn't reserved for the perfectly equipped; it's a responsibility for all. If we wait for perfect conditions, no outreach would happen. It involves stepping beyond comfort, engaging with people, and showing the Holy Spirit's work through actions as simple as making eye contact instead of hiding behind technology.
The Practice of Self-Denial
Praying when tired or going to church when we don't feel like it.
Fasting, despite the hunger, as a form of denial.
Turning the other cheek or praying for those who wrong us are practical ways of self-denial.
Scriptural Insight
In Matthew 16, Peter's revelation about Jesus was celebrated, but shortly after, Jesus rebuked him for focusing on human rather than divine concerns. This duality in Peter's actions shows the human struggle between divine insight and personal impulses. True discipleship involves discerning and choosing the right impulses, embracing self-denial as Jesus taught.
Activating God's Promises
Like a gift card that's useless unless used, many of God's promises remain unfulfilled unless we engage with them actively. We must go to the "restaurant" of faith, place the "order" through prayer, and "exchange" through our actions to experience God's miracles.
By understanding and practicing self-denial, we align closer to God's will and unlock the potential for spiritual growth and miraculous living.
The above is a summary from a lesson I taught on Sunday.