Deny Yourself, Take Up Your Cross – The Call to Daily Surrender

Scripture Reading:

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” – Matthew 16:24 (ESV)

Devotional 

In this verse, Jesus gives a threefold requirement for discipleship:

1. Deny yourself – Let go of self-centered desires and personal agendas.
2. Take up your cross – Embrace the cost and suffering that come with following Him.
3. Follow Me – Live in obedience, imitating Christ’s example.

To “deny yourself” doesn’t mean neglecting personal needs or despising who you are. It means surrendering your will to God’s will. It’s shifting from a me-first mindset to a God-first life.

In the original context, Jesus was speaking to a culture that understood the cross not as a religious symbol but as an instrument of death. To take up your cross meant being willing to lose everything – reputation, comfort, and even life – for the sake of Christ.

Biblical Support

• Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me…”
• Luke 9:23 – “…take up his cross daily and follow me.”
• Philippians 3:7–8 – Paul counted all things loss compared to knowing Christ.

Contemporary Examples of Denying Yourself

1. Forgoing instant gratification – Choosing prayer over scrolling through social media when you first wake up.
2. Choosing honesty over personal gain – Turning down a profitable deal that would compromise biblical values.
3. Letting go of revenge – Forgiving someone who deeply hurt you, even when you have the power to retaliate.
4. Sacrificial giving – Supporting a struggling family financially even when you have your own pressing needs.
5. Prioritizing God’s calling – Declining a job that offers wealth but would keep you away from serving in your ministry.

Life Application

Denying yourself is not a one-time act; it’s a daily choice. Every day presents opportunities to put God’s will ahead of our own desires. The more we practice this, the more Christ is formed in us.

Here’s how you can apply this today:

• Morning Prayer of Surrender: “Lord, today I lay down my desires, my fears, and my plans. Lead me in Your will.”
• Daily Discipline: Set specific times to read the Word, pray, or serve, even if it means giving up leisure time.
• Heart Check: Before making a decision, ask, “Does this please God or just please me?”

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me to deny myself daily and take up my cross with joy. Teach me to live for You and not for myself. Give me strength to put Your will above mine in every decision I make. Amen.