Matthew 16:24–If You Want Jesus, You Have To Deny Yourself

Matthew 16:24–"Then Jesus told His disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let Him deny Himself and take up His cross and follow me.'"

This is one of the principle teachings of Christ, if not the principle teaching of Scripture.  In many ways, it is the singular focus of the Christian life, that we would deny ourselves.  And the denial of self is not merely giving up certain fancies; it is the complete transformation of who we are.  It is the dramatic renewal of intention, desire, and will, so that we would actually put God's will before our own whimsy. To be sure, though, the essence of this sort of denial is about devotion.  It is about replacement and reconciliation, that we would be renewed in our minds and in our hearts so as to be ever praising God in the very depths of our beings.  Additionally, this is more than a one-time event; it is a lifestyle transformation.  O that we would commit to such a change as this!!!