Spirit-Living Devotional
Apostle Osborn
DENY YOUR ‘SELF’
[[Luk 9:23]] KJV And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
In the above, Jesus shows the criteria for discipleship. He said,’If any man will come after me(follow me as my disciple) , let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.’ That is very instructive for discipleship.
To be an effect follower of Christ, three important things must be observed:
- DENY YOUR SELF. The ‘self’ is the flesh. You can not effectively be a follower of Christ and still hold on to the desires of your flesh. There are things your flesh wants to do. There are places your flesh wants to go. There are friends your flesh wants to keep. These things are in sharp contrast with what the Holy Ghost in you desires for you. And you must deny your ‘self’. Don’t allow your flesh to have its way.
It’s our year of DELIBERATE CHANGE. The Spirit of God is calling you to come out from certain relationships and engagements that will impede His glorious purpose for your life this year.
- Take up your cross DAILY. Many times, we talk about talking up our cross, but in our opening text, Jesus said we should take up our cross DAILY. The cross talks of crucifixion: death and sacrifice.
In our fight against the flesh, we must be determined to fight and make somethings die DAILY. The people or habits you fought and killed out of your life yesterday will show up again today. The things you resisted will become very appealing today. You need the discipline to crucify them DAILY: everyday!
- FOLLOW ME. Finally, to be a follower of Christ, you must follow. Don’t lead: follow. Follow the leading of the Holy Ghost. Listen to that still small voice that tells you either to do or not to do somethings.
When He speaks to you, obey His voice. Very soon, you’ll become a master at knowing and following God’s voice.
Today, things will show up, somethings will resurface in your life. You’ll feel the temptation to do somethings. Deny yourself. Don’t heed to your flesh. Be like Paul; keep your body and flesh under control (1Co 9:27).
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for your word. I keep my body under control. I choose to follow your Spirit. I embrace the leading of your Spirit with joy, and I follow Him in Jesus’s name. Amen.
