Denial!

There are many in this world who are quick to deny just about anything.
People go into denial regarding sickness or life problems that really need to be acknowledged so they may be dealt with. There are those who deny truth or that there are any absolutes at all, and because of this the boundaries continue to be pushed further and further to accept almost anything in our society and even in the realm of religion. But at the very heart of all this is the failure to deny that which needs to be denied most!

Note what essential Jesus pointed out.
“(24) Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, LET HIM DENY HIMSELF and take up his cross and follow me. (25) For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.’” ( Matthew 16:24-25 ESV)

The Greek translated “deny” is in the imperative. It is a must. The word means “to deny utterly.” The phrase could be literally translated, “let one thoroughly deny”. It is SELF which needs to be denied most! I know when I have the most difficulty is when SELF is allowed to be in the way. My desires and plans are not always what they ought to be. I must always remember that when I was united with Christ I died to SELF so that I could live for Him!

To refuse to deny SELF will cause us to continue to have difficulties and can ultimately put us in grave danger. The rich young ruler was not willing to deny SELF. He would not part with his wealth. ( Matthew 19:22) Many of the chief priests and Pharisees would not deny SELF. They rejected Jesus as the long awaited Messiah, fearing the Romans would come and take away both their place and nation. ( John 11:47-48) Felix waited for a more convenient time. ( Acts 24:25) What we need to do is deny SELF and make the time for God and what He desires us to do. Agrippa was “almost persuaded”
( Acts 26:28), but when we refuse to deny SELF we will always fall short of where God wants us.

Thoroughly deny SELF! This is a paramount step we must take as we follow our Lord. We must trust Him enough to know that by dying to SELF and living for Him we will gain the highest possible blessings we could ever desire for SELF. May we seek God’s help in keeping SELF out of the way as we continue to walk in His WAY.

Have a great day FINDING OUR LIFE GOD’S WAY!
Carl

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