DYING DAILY
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” Matthew 16:24, ESV
Theme: Denying yourself is physically and mentally difficult but leads to a closer walk with God, abiding in Him, and experiencing spiritual blessings.
AT NO COST
We live in a world of immediate gratification. One that resists deprivation of any kind, unless it’s by someone else and for our benefit. We want to be comfortable and entertained. To buy now, pay later. We want results before making an effort. The concept of deprivation (fasting) from anything is daunting and uncomfortable.
However, Jesus makes it very clear: following Him always begins with denying ourselves. It’s not about punishing ourselves. It means laying down anything that competes with Christ’s rule in our hearts…including our comfort, pride, preferences, and plans. When we release them, our hands become free to do the important work He has laid out for us.
CHOOSING HIM EACH DAY
I am a disciplined person and pride myself on being self-controlled and efficient. My alarm goes off at 4:20 AM, six days a week, to work out and prioritize my physical health. I never miss an intended workout. It’s non-negotiable. While this one aspect of my life may appear impressively self-disciplined, I’ve also been guilty of rushing through my quiet time, negotiating with God on generosity, and missing Sunday worship when I’m “too tired” or the weather is bad. I maintain extreme discipline in one area of my life that I find “easy” while I’ll let others, even those which have eternal impact, slip.
The hardest battles happen not around us, but within us. Obedience is tested in hundreds of small decisions each day. Do we listen to the Holy Spirit, or do we succumb to the allure of comfort, the desire to be right, or the craving for control? The devil whispers, “You don’t have to give that up,” “You deserve to be happy and to feel good,” or “That’s not even a real sin.” Dangerously, we begin to justify and make excuses for the things we don’t have the desire or energy to change.
But, choosing Him over ourselves—daily and intentionally—opens the door to the life He promised. It’s a life marked not by ease but by great purpose. Eternal joy trumps temporary and worldly comfort.
Make It Personal: At the heart of not wanting to deny ourselves is this truth: We often want the crown without the cross, blessings without obedience, results without sacrifice, comfort over character, popularity rather than holiness, community without accountability, purpose without purity, change in circumstances without change in action, emotional indulgence rather than self-control, freedom without boundaries, Christ as Savior…but not as Lord. Self-discipline is difficult and requires commitment. Ask yourself which areas of your life are easily disciplined, and which are not. What is God asking you to lay down, and quit making excuses about, so you can follow Him more fully? He never asks us to surrender anything without giving us a way out, and something better in return – more of Him.
Pray: God, I open my heart to You today. I want my life to align with Your will so I can fully experience the goodness You have in store for me. Show me where I’m making excuses and failing to listen to Your voice. I surrender and pray You will give me the strength and courage to make the changes You reveal to me. In Your Name I pray. Amen.
Read: 1 Corinthians 10:13; Galatians 5:16-26
Weekly Memory Verse: “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” Matthew 16:24, ESV