Denying Self, The Christian Mindset

Today we live in a society of instant gratification. Most of us do not understand what it is to go without. Yes, occasionally we don't get a cell signal or the line in the drive thru is longer than we want it to be. We get annoyed with other drivers on the road because we are the only ones that pay taxes and should be driving on them. We take so much for granted in these times, or at least I do.

We live in a self centered world were we are taught self love, self esteem, and pride from kindergarten up. We almost hear nothing of self denial and self discipline and self sacrifice. It's I need to love myself before I can love others. Interesting these themes are not found in the Bible. In fact God takes for granted that you already love yourself and that you need to elevate others to the status that you instinctively put yourself at. It is a kin to the golden rule and is the second greatest commandment in the Bible.

Mar 12:28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?

Mar 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

Mar 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Mar 12:31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

So at best we should come in 3rd place. We are to love God first, others second, and if we have any time and energy left we can love ourselves. So why in our society are we taught to love ourselves so much? Why do we think of us first, besides the fact that it comes naturally.

Most people when they look for a church the first thing that pops into their minds is, what's in it for me, what can you do for me, and what types of programs do you have for me and my children? When these people leave the church it's because they didn't like this or that. Someone did this to me, I didn't feel like going anymore.

First off I believe that many churches do a disservice to people when they present the Christian life. Most churches like to talk about all the pros and none of what some might view as a con. For instance people are told about salvation and heaven and seldom about sin and hell, and definitely not about self denial and a change in their lifestyle. Most just want to add Jesus to whatever they currently have going for them and this is a half truth at best.

Jesus said to follow him we have to leave our old life behind. That may very well mean our own ambitions and dreams.

Mar 8:34And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them,Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Mat 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

The Apostle Paul considered himself a servant of Jesus Christ. How different would things be if when we went to church we had a servant mentality and said, what can I do? How may I help, what needs done, what would Christ have me do and how can I be a blessing to others?

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Our lives are to be a sacrifice to God, and this is considered reasonable not exemplary. After all do not forget that we were bought with a price.

So moving forward why not start the day asking God what he would want of us, and how we can serve him by serving others? How much better would our lives be as a witness to the lost?

Gal 5:13 (KJV) For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Joh 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

Joh 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

Mat 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Mat 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Remember that no servant is better than his master, and Jesus always bent his will to the will of his Father. (John 6:38, Mat 10:34).