Deny

But whosoever shall deny me before men, he will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 10:33

The word deny is not a popular one in our 21st-century culture. In fact, we live in a world of gratification, wanting to be satisfied with our wants, needs, and desires. Looking after ourselves is not wrong. Self-care is essential, especially for caregivers. However, there is another perspective when a person belongs to Christ.

Jesus says in verse 37 that whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for His sake will find it.

The Bible says Christians are to deny themselves to follow Jesus, and Jesus says if they deny Him, He will deny them before God. Sobering words, Jesus!

It may feel like Christians are part of an upside-down kingdom. Human nature is to put ourselves first, but Jesus says the opposite. Christians are to seek first His kingdom and all these things will be added (see last weeks blog) ie, wants, needs,desires will be met.

So how does this work, and how do you not become a doormat of extreme service and good works. I believe it is by being aware of our identity in Christ. When we live from a position of sonship/daughtership there is not a fear of denying Christ as for a Christian their relationship with Father God naturally flows outwardly from a relationship with Him.

Galatians 20:20 says, I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

This is what Good Friday is all about. Jesus denied Himself so that we could be set free. If you are a Christian, you have been crucified with Christ and can live by faith and receive His grace.

Christians are free from the sin that separates us from God, however, all He requires is that we follow Him and acknowledge Him in our daily lives. As we step aside and allow Him to shine through us this images Him well in a broken and hurting world. Other people will see you and not be able to deny that He exists!

If we wobble like Peter, who denied knowing Jesus three times, we are assured that we can come to the Father and discover and encounter His grace and mercy in our time of need. All because of the price Jesus paid for us, covering all our mess, sin and shame by His death on the cross, connecting us to the Father.

Allowing more of Him and less of me makes it easier to deny things of this world as I move aside, and Jesus Christ truly lives through me.

Bethel song no longer I who lives https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQOa5g9nPaw.

Until next time

Leisa