We must deny ourselves to follow Christ

Matthew 16:24 tells us, "If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me."

To deny ourselves is to put away our will and our ways. This means that we must put aside self - our own desires and selfish ambitions in order to follow Him. It is easy to become caught up in the pleasures of this world, but we must remember that our ultimate goal is to serve God and do His will. We must learn to surrender our own will to His.

Then, we must take up the cross. The cross is a symbol of sacrifice and suffering, and Jesus is asking us to follow His example of sacrifice. We must be willing to endure hardship and persecution for the sake of the gospel. We must be willing to stand up for what is right, even if it means going against the popular opinion of our society.

Before His death, Jesus prayed saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” This was Jesus teaching us how to put away our will and do the Father's will. This is how we can be His disciple - to deny ourselves.

PRAYER: Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, we ask for Your strength to deny ourselves and put away our own desires and selfish ambitions. Help us to surrender our will to yours and do your will in all things in your Holy name, Amen.

BIBLE READING: LUKE 1:1-25, EPHESIANS 1:1-14, PSALMS 119:1-8, 1 KINGS 1

https://youtu.be/7Y3zinzqsxw