One of the chief characteristics of being a true Christian is self denial. Self denial is not, however, readily linked to Christianity in our apostate day. Just the opposite! Self indulgence is much more accurately associated with many so-called Christians, even though it is condemned in Scripture, while self denial is a basic requirement, according to Jesus:
Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
Before one becomes a Bible-defined Christian, self indulgence characterizes him as he spent his time, money and energies on himself. Self indulgence must die for one to have eternal life. Turning from self indulgence, with its idols, to self denial is directly related to repentance, which leads to salvation (2 Cor. 7:10). It is part of saving faith in the Lord Jesus.
Self indulgence is especially shown in the spiritually dead and lost prodigal, as he wasted his money on himself for temporary pleasures. In his case, it was obvious sinful pleasures involving wild living and being with prostitutes, but with many professing Christians it is self indulging and wasteful spending on vacations and large homes. Such people have the money to spend and think that money is their own, when it isn’t! It belongs to God, as does their time, if they are true Christians. To squander money on expensive vacations (and excessive material things) is clearly not self denial, especially when only a tiny fraction of that is given for the spreading of the true gospel! While souls are perishing, such self indulging professing Christians are primarily thinking about their own pleasures! They spend more on dog food than the gospel message they have been entrusted with, while they would say they know they need to bring forth fruit!
Self denial marked the apostle Paul and his fruitful labors for God. He was a serious and devoted godly example, who loved others enough to put them before himself. If Paul ministered in our day, he would not have lived in a fancy house, drove an expensive car or wasted money on vacations! He was living in light of eternity. He was a Christian and self denial, not self indulgence, characterized him. Do you hear what I’m saying? Ask yourself this question: when you have to account to God for the money he has entrusted you with, how will you feel when you have been so self indulging? NOW is the time to change for your own SOUL’S sake. Walk in self denial and don’t think that is being a super Christian, for it isn’t!
So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” (Luke 17:10)
Remember Luke 9:23.
