Mark 8:34 (KJV) And 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.

Here we see three things that the LORD requires of us if we want to follow Him:

1. Deny ourself
2. Take up our cross – see following-jesus-christ-part-2
3. Follow Him following-jesus-christ-part-3

Let’s us look at the first one today. What is denying yourself?
The Thayer Definition for “let him deny”:
1) to deny
1a) to affirm that one has no acquaintance or connection with someone
1b) to forget one’s self, lose sight of one’s self and one’s own interests

And Strong put it as: to deny utterly, that is, disown, abstain: – deny.

Therefore let us be encouraged to put our own interests and our on way of doing things aside and replaces them with the interests and ways of Jesus Christ. It is the renouncing of all self like: dependence, interests, and pursuits that are against God. By doing this we are totally in GOD’s good hands trying in Him. As He said:
“Matthew 6:33 (KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Let our primary objective be the Kingdom of God and not ourself.
“Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: [21] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Self denial is painful and goes against everything the word stands for and expects but the LORD is the one who will help us if we are willing and call on Him.

Let us pray. Father, we come to you in the name of Jesus Christ. We lay our life before You. We put aside our goals, ambitions, selfishness, pride, sins and anything self orientated. We decide to follow You Jesus. Help us to abstain from all this and instead make Your interests number one in our life to seek You and Your kingdom first. Amen

For more on this verse have a look at https://missioncommunities.network/2024/04/03/following-jesus-2024-02-181/