Self-Denial

God demands of us a complete self-denial. We must give up everything to follow Christ. This is a hard thing for it is contrary to human nature. We are to palce God above our loved ones. (Luke 14:26) We are to seek to please others and help the weak. (Romans 15:1) We are to die to the sinful nature. (Galatians 5:24) Are priority is not storing up things on earth for ourselves but storing up things in heaven toward God. It is these things that will last. (Luke 12:20-21)

Paul in I Corinthians chapter 9 gives a prime example of self-denial and complete consecration to God. He gives wise instruction on the topic. We like Paul must be willing to give up our rights for the sake of the gospel (Christ). We must not only be willing to give up our rights, but take the responsibility we have as believers and discipline ourselves. In turn we must guard ourselves from falling short.

We as believers to often just allow ourselves to float through life and let things fall where they may. Often we are to laid back. We must remember that we are in a race. If we relax to much, we might be passed by and left behind or fail to win the try out and be disqualified.

Lord help us to die to self and live unto you.