“he must deny himself”

Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24).

Jesus not only preached denying self, He also practiced it.  “…who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.  Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8).

Our society doesn’t know much about the idea of denying self.  It’s all about what you “deserve” for yourself, not how you can deny yourself.  If Christ could deny Himself heaven to be a bondservant, then can’t you deny yourself a few of the pleasures of this earth to serve Him?  You must if you want to go after Him.

Have a great day in His word!

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