The Grace of Self-Denial

Have you ever thought of self-denial as a grace from God?  To be sure, Adam and Eve did not see self-denial as grace; they proved that when they opted for self-satisfaction!  Yet Jesus makes it clear that self-denial is a great grace from God: “He said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me’” (Luke 9:23).  Self-denial, not self-satisfaction, is both the way and the walk of our Savior.  Remember, Adam and Eve got what they “wanted” when they chose the way of self-satisfaction; in doing so, they missed the only thing they truly needed . . . God!

God’s grace of self-denial is the rescue our Redeemer provides from the bondage of self-satisfaction.  When the most important thing in life is satisfying the self, we live only a fraction of the life God intended us to live.  The grace of self-denial leads us to the abundant life because the “stuff” of this world can never really satisfy our deepest need.  Only an intimate personal relationship with Jesus can do that, and this relationship will only be realized through the grace of self-denial.  Self-denial loosens our hold on the things of this world, freeing us to tighten our grip on “all things above,” leading to a previously unimagined life of satisfaction! 

Self-satisfaction is not the key to satisfaction in marriage; self-denial is.  Self-satisfaction is not the key to satisfaction in your job; self-denial is.  Self-satisfaction is not the key to satisfaction in your singleness; self-denial is.  Self-satisfaction is not the key to satisfaction in your church; self-denial is.  So where in your life have you been finding it hard to deny yourself?  And what has seeking your own satisfaction brought you? 

Jesus denied Himself in every way for you.  He who was rich became poor.  He who was a King became a criminal.  He who knew no sin became sin.  He who knew no death became the death of death.  Is there anything you cannot deny yourself for the One who has and will continue to do everything for you?  The pathway of self-denial is the pathway of self-satisfaction.  This is the Gospel.  This is grace for your race.  NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!