Self-Denial (The Selfie Series pt 2)

As we continue in our Selfie Series this morning I want to talk briefly about self-denial.  I love the Message translations of Luke 9:23 as it reads “ Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat—I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? If any of you is embarrassed with me and the way I’m leading you, know that the Son of Man will be far more embarrassed with you when he arrives in all his splendor in company with the Father and the holy angels. This isn’t, you realize, pie in the sky by and by. Some who have taken their stand right here are going to see it happen, see with their own eyes the kingdom of God.”

God has called us to walk in a spirit of self-denial, not afraid to lose or give up the things or ways of this world.  Self-denial also calls us to accept as citizens of His Kingdom, we have no voice and no vote, God’s way is the only way, period… no negotiations, no sidebars.

This is where we tend to stray on the path of self-denial because the world has programmed our minds to believe that independence is the greatest joy.  When independence is an illusion, no one or nothing within God’s creation can sustain without depending on something else for its existence.  Imagine the arrogance of human beings if true independence was achievable.  Independence exalts the attitude that there is no need for God, that God was fallible in his creation.

Self-denial leans on and understands the ways of God and boasts of the joy of being totally committed and submitted to an omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient God

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