Read: Matthew 16:24–28
Then Jesus told His disciples, “If any want to become My followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24
Self-denial is not merely giving up the things we long for and lust after. In a society and culture that places incredible emphasis on self-realization and self-actualization—and as a result, self-absorption—a call to self-denial could not be more jarring. The call to self-denial is a call to give up one’s personal identity. It is a call to give up our sense of individuality and recognize that everyone and all…
