It is easy to call oneself a disciple of Jesus, but quite difficult to take his directive to Peter seriously: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross.” (Mt. 16:24)
Churches today often preach a gospel of self-fulifillment, or, just as dangerously, they prescribe intense lists and regulations for denying self. These only produce false humility, self-righteousness, or despair.
True denial of self is simply giving the lordship of our body over to Jesus. 101 Ways to Deny Self offers practical suggestions for anyone who wishes to become a disciple of Jesus. While these biblical ways to deny self are written here for your practical consideration, it is only the Holy Spirit who can truly guide one to properly deny self.
