In a world filled with self-love; denying self is frowned upon by most.
We have selfies, self-care, self preservation, self-love, self-gratification and on and on it goes.
However, Jesus put it out there plainly as to how we, as His followers, are to live and it's called self-denial.
"Deny yourself and follow Me." Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23
His words call for a complete surrender of one's own will and desires.
His words call for a full-out desire to follow God's will for our lives, our lifestyle and our way of living.
It's called selling out, giving Him our all, no holding back or withholding.
It's called self-sacrifice, putting God first. Spending the first part of the day in worship, prayer, Bible reading, etc. is a great start no doubt. However, putting God first is above ALL else, ALL day, EVERY day.
Jesus knows this world and its god, Satan, continuously wants our time, attention and resources spent on self-worship.
It's an ongoing process of relinquishing personal ambitions and desires for His purposes. Child of God this requires a level of surrender that's burdensome to our flesh and freeing to our inner man, our spirit.
The rich, young ruler had the riches of the world...and they had him in a stranglehold. Like a python wrapped around squeezing the life out of its prey, so the trappings of this world bring the same result.
Today and every day perhaps let these statements be your prayer,
"I am Your servant."
"I am a servant of Your people."
"I give myself to Your service to bless, to heal and to set free those who are suffering, hurting and bound in captivities of mind, heart and circumstances."
"It is a privilege, Lord Jesus, to be a vessel of honor fit for Your use."
"I pour out my life so that others may live free in You."
"It is my JOY to be in service to My King serving others in Your name."
