Denying Yourself

Jesus said "if anyone wishes to come after me let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me" (Matt. 16:24)

Deny means to reject, repudiate, say no to something. Taking up your cross means dying to self. So, what does it mean (and not mean) to say no to yourself (aka die to self)?

What it does not mean to deny yourself:

1. Squelching your personality. God wants to use you as He made you.
2. Denying your giftedness. It should not lead to a diminishing of your gifts.
3. Deferring appropriate action. It should not be used as an excuse to be lazy. Don't use it as excuse to not do what you are called to do.

What it does mean to deny yourself:

1. Saying no to every selfish inclination and desire. The world, flesh and devil.
2. Saying no to non-biblical reasoning. Every thought captive.
3. Distrusting your natural, fleshly desires. Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.

Saying yea to self leads to loss, damage, ruin, shame.

Saying no to self (and yes to Jesus) leads to assurance, security, freedom and joy.

Jesus loves you!