“So then, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33).
Jesus was more than clear: whoever desires to be saved must deny himself. This means rejecting one’s own will and submitting completely to the will of God. One no longer seeks to please or exalt oneself, but sees oneself as most in need of the Creator’s mercy. It is a call to abandon pride and let go of everything—for love of Christ.
Self-denial also involves renouncing the allurements of this world: its appearances, its desires, its empty promises. Human wisdom and natural gifts, however admirable they may seem, must not be the basis of our confidence. The true servant learns to depend on God alone, rejecting every form of trust in the flesh or in created things.
This transformation is possible only through obedience to God’s mighty Law and sincere devotion to His holy commandments. It is on this path of surrender and submission that the soul learns to reject pride, greed, carnal desires, and every inclination of the old self. To live for God is to die to oneself, and only those who die to the world can inherit what is eternal. —Adapted from Johann Arndt. Until tomorrow, if the Lord allows.
Pray with me: My Lord and God, I thank You for calling me to a life of complete surrender. You know how weak my will is and how prone to error, and yet You invite me to live for You.
Help me deny myself each day. May I not seek my own interests, trust in my gifts, or desire the vanities of this world. Teach me to renounce who I am and what I have, for love of Your Son, and to obey Your mighty Law and Your holy commandments with all my heart.
O most holy God, I adore and praise You because You offer me a new life, far from the slavery of my ego and close to Your heart. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your mighty Law is the narrow path that leads to true freedom. Your perfect commandments are like swords that cut away the old self and reveal the beauty of obedience. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.