Follow: Deny Yourself
Still looking at Luke 9 where Jesus calls people to come and follow Him into an alternative life. Knowing His purpose and why He came and joined humanity - redemption of humanity - our first steps as disciples of Jesus will include learning to say “no” to the hunger pangs of our bodies and hearts in order to say “yes” to the desires of God’s heart which will make our soul thrive.
Being His disciple involves denying yourself.
Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves…
(v. 23)
Everyday we, the followers of Jesus and even those who care nothing for Christ, will come up to the borders of life with the choice to serve ourselves or to serve others. You really can’t do both. Though, the illusion of doing so is quite popular and we’ve all mastered it. Yet, we all really know the motivations and tendencies of our own hearts. Do I really care about this person?
You should notice I didn’t add a third category. There is no such trichotomy: serve yourself, serve others, or serve God. Serving others is impossible without God. Every cause, every act of charity or philanthropy, every good deed will carry with it a self-address stamped invitation to return the favor - either by providing good publiciity/reputation, gratitude, accolades. It’s easy to help people who obviously need the help. It is the person I’ve considered my enemy who will by no means give anything in return but still needs nothing more than my mercy whom I must serve.
This is self-denial: love someone who doesn’t care a thing about you.
Here is where we find Christ and His story. While not many of us could say we hate Him (or hated), none could deny we cared very little for Jesus. But at this time, while our hearts were indifferent and distant from God, He denied himself of His glory and power to bring us near to Him.
Therefore, His disciples must follow and do the same.
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. John 15:12-14
In a “what’s in it for me?” society, may we endeavor to ask the question, “what’s in it for them?” and “how can I serve them selflessly (especially when I don’t exactly care for them or they for me) and be the link to a selfless Christ?” Great challenge as always, Chris!!!
P.J.
10 Jul 08 at 9:46 am
Your blog is so cool, Chris! Besides being a good read, it’s also just a really impressive layout! Some day you’ll have to teach me some techie stuff:)
Chelsea
11 Jul 08 at 12:14 pm