Denying Self in a Self-Centered World: A Call to True Discipleship
Have you ever been sent on a mission by your spouse? Maybe it was a simple task like picking up milk from the grocery store. What should have been a straightforward errand turned into a bewildering experience for me. I found myself staring at an overwhelming array of milk options—whole, skim, 1%, 2%, lactose-free, plant-based, and more. In that moment, I realized how complicated even the simplest tasks have become in our modern world.
This experience got me thinking about how our culture has shifted from simplicity to complexity, especially when it comes to our priorities and values. We live in a world that constantly tells us to put ourselves first. "You deserve me time," "Focus on yourself," and "Self-care isn't selfish" are mantras we hear daily. But what does God's Word say about this?
The Biblical Perspective
In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others." This scripture challenges the very core of our self-centered culture. It calls us to a life of humility and selflessness, valuing others above ourselves.
The Natural Tendency to Self-Obsess
Putting ourselves first is one of the most natural things we do. Think about it: when you look at a group photo, who do you look at first? Yourself. If you look good, the photo is deemed acceptable, regardless of how everyone else looks. This self-centered mindset permeates our lives, making us more isolated, anxious, and depressed.
The Call to Deny Ourselves
Jesus' words in Matthew 16:24 are a stark contrast to the world's message: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." This isn't a call to pamper ourselves or seek our own pleasure. It's a call to self-denial and sacrificial love.
Loving Others as Ourselves
When Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31), He wasn't commanding us to love ourselves more. He was assuming that we already do. The challenge is to extend that same care and concern to others. It's about providing for others, feeding them, and taking care of their needs just as we do for ourselves.
The Danger of Self-Obsession
Our culture's obsession with self-care and self-love has led to a generation that is more lonely, anxious, and depressed. The more we focus on ourselves, the more we separate ourselves from others and from God. True joy and fulfillment come not from self-obsession but from self-denial and serving others.
Practical Steps to Deny Yourself
Start Small: Begin with small, manageable steps. Make your bed every morning. Spend a few minutes in prayer or reading the Bible. These small acts of discipline can lead to greater spiritual growth.
Serve Others: Look for opportunities to serve those around you. It could be as simple as offering a kind word to someone in need or volunteering your time to help others.
Prioritize God: Make time for God in your daily routine. Whether it's through prayer, worship, or reading Scripture, prioritize your relationship with Him.
Self-Assessment: Regularly evaluate your life to identify areas where you may be putting yourself above God and others. Ask God to help you make the necessary changes.
Conclusion
In a world that constantly tells us to put ourselves first, the call to deny ourselves and follow Jesus is counter-cultural. But it's a call that leads to true joy, fulfillment, and purpose. As we learn to love God and others above ourselves, we will find that our lives are richer and more meaningful.
Let's take up our cross daily, deny ourselves, and follow Jesus. In doing so, we will not only transform our own lives but also impact the world around us for His glory.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for awakening us to the dangers of self-obsession and the beauty of self-denial. Help us to prioritize You and others above ourselves. Give us the strength to take up our cross daily and follow You. May our lives reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.