Certainly the act of self-denial, though multiform, varies from individual to individual. And each of us must chart out our own road-map and inspection points along the way to make sure we amplify God, especially during those times when his will comes into conflict with ours.
So, here are a few directly personal observations on how to deny the self. You might either resonate with them, you may differ or you may glean something from them:
- When you forgive and pay the cost for forgiving and let the offender go unpunished - you deny yourself.
- When you refuse to turn stone into bread and refuse the oppurtunity to satisfy your legitimate needs - you deny yourself.
- When you take all you have, like the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17), and give it to meet the need of a servant of God - you deny yourself.
- When you refuse to take another person's vulnerable moment and convert it into an advantage for yourself - you deny yourself.
- When you refuse to use any political mileage to subdue your enemies - you deny yourself.
- When you refuse to feel morally superior and reject the inclination to gossip - you deny yourself.
- When you live with unanswered prayer and still will not let go of your trust in God - you deny yourself.
- When you set time apart, no matter how pressing or urgent the need, for God each day - you deny yourself.
- When you refuse to let your feelings overcome your sense of scriptural rightness - you deny yourself.
- When you refuse to let your eyes to wander with unhealthy desires - you deny yourself.
6 comments:
You have such an interesting blog. Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed reading your posts. All the best for your future blogging journey.
Dear Pastor , your write up on self denial is par excellence. You have brought out the minute and unheard of aspects of self denial ,which as you rightly pointed out, have to do with discipleship and not with salvation.
Thanks Elizabeth
Edifying thoughts, thanks Sir for sharing.
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