Encouraging Word
It is no accident that Jesus pointed out in Matthew 16:24 that the first step to discipleship is to “deny self.” Deny means to refrain from satisfying oneself. My family doctor, in encouraging me to lose weight said, “Tony, it is okay to deprive yourself.” Jesus was saying to refrain from being selfish. We need to stop serving and worshiping ourselves. Self cannot be at the center of one’s life. Jesus is to be on the throne; not self. We cannot serve self and Jesus at the same time. We tend to gratify ourselves and that gets in the way of Jesus being Lord.
Here are some “myths” about self that need to be addressed:
- You are always right.
- You should always get your way.
- You should be exempt from adversity and suffering.
- Others should always respect your opinion.
These are false assumptions. Matthew 16:24 says, “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.’” Selfishness (flesh) must be nailed to the cross. One must be born again and receive a new nature (II Corinthians 5:17). This must take place before one can become a Christ-follower.
We need to move from being “selfish” to “selfless.” We must surrender control to Jesus. We agree with John the Baptist who said, “He must increase, and I must decrease” (John 3:30 KJV). And like Jesus’ prayer where He said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Self has to be dealt with. Self has to get out of the way to make room for Jesus!
-Tony Cooper
Director Emeritus of Jimmie Hale Mission
