Soldier's Orders: Self-Denial

In the last days, there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV)

Self-control seems like a mean-mouthed teacher… punishing a kid for being a kid.

As I write these words, I’m feeling guilty, realizing I still lack self-control, which is the buddy of self-denial– without which I’m a weakened disciple.

‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me’ (Luke 9:23). 

Do I think of my “goodies” more than God? I’m ashamed to confess, sometimes I do.

But aren't we covered by the Blood of Christ? Doesn’t He make us innocent before God?

  • If we truly believe in Jesus, yes.

  • If we confess and try to improve, yes.

And yet, we mustn’t take God for granted, nor sit in an “I’m saved” complacency.

'Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father' (Matthew 7:21).

'Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it' (Matthew 7:14).

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

How can servants or soldiers be selfish? Certainly, we would be punished (at best) or released (at worst). Therefore, we’re wise to discipline ourselves! Therefore…

Practice self-denial and self-control.

  • Practice fasting from following “the crowd.”

  • Practice fasting from walking easy paths.

  • Practice fasting from tempting choices– by choosing the harder, more godly path.

Because Jesus did. For 33 years. He denied Himself the righteous comforts of Heaven's kingdom. He denied Himself the worldly comforts of Jewish leaders.

He denied the trappings of a luxe life… to show the strength in simplicity.

Soldier's Orders: Self-Denial (Part 11)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban