You Owe it to Yourself
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. Luke 9:23-24
“You owe it to yourself”, “It’s time I think of myself,” “Because you’re worth it,” “Have it your way,” “Your opinion matters,” “You deserve a break today.” “I need to take care of me.”
We are born selfish. Our sin nature along with world manipulation and conditioning tells us to be selfish – self-centered, self-reliant, and self-seeking.
The Bible teaches just the opposite. Galatians 2:20 Says “I am crucified with Christ, therefore I no longer live….” If we want to follow Christ, we must deny ourselves. (Mark 8: 34) Denying ourselves is a daily thing. (Luke 9:23)
The world teaches that our own strength will lead to success. The bible says through His strength we can do all things. (Philippians 4:13) True success begins with self-denial and God reliance. When we come to the realization that we can do nothing without Christ, a huge responsibility is lifted. There’s comfort knowing God can do everything and all strength comes from Him. True success happens by taking up His cross daily. The more we can be emptied of self, the more room to be filled with Christ. More of Christ, less of me…that is true success.
Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:2-4
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. Luke 9:23-24