Deny Ourselves to Follow Him

Modern psychology has assured us that self needs are primary needs. We are told we need self-esteem, a good self-image, self-confidence, self-actualization and self-love. All-important is the need to accomplish MY goals, to realize MY full potential. This focus on self is exactly what the natural man does not need. It lies at the heart of much of the discontent, irritation and frustration in the modern home. The world fortunately doesn't revolve around one human being.

Christ calls us to deny ourselves to follow Him. That doesn't make for very popular psychology, but it is basic to Christianity. There is a grain of truth in the self-talk. We do have inner yearnings for acceptance and fulfillment. But according to the Scriptures, we find those needs met, not by serving ourselves, but by serving God and others. We need the mind of Jesus, "Who, being in the form of God ... made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:6, 7)
--John Coblentz