SELF-DENIAL by M. C. W.

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 25, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 45.

SELF-DENIAL.

By M. C. W.

MANY are almost tempted to think at times that the Christianity of the present time is altogether different in its requirements than Christianity in the days of our Saviour. Such judge from what they see rather than from what ought to be. In no one feature is there perhaps a more marked difference than in the matter of self-denial. "If any man will come after me," says our Lord and Pattern, "let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Matt. 16:24. "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself," is recorded in Mark 8:34. See also Luke 9:23. And these injunctions were heeded by the early Christians. Peter could say, "Lo, we have left all and followed thee." No greater example of self-denial apart from the life of our Lord can be produced than that of the apostle Paul. The same spirit imbued the twelve and many others. Life, with all that the term means, was laid and bound on the altar of Christ.

The plan of salvation itself was laid in self-denial. The Son of the infinite God laid aside his glory with the Father, made himself of no reputation, took upon him the form of a servant, became poor that we might be made rich, and finally gave his life for sinful, rebellious man. Phil. 2:1-8; 2 Cor. 8:9. Never once in his earth-life did he minister to the desires of the flesh, nor even to its needs when urgent duty called in another direction. He denied himself. And he says, "Follow me." His apostle, who possessed so much of the spirit of self-denial, says: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Phil. 2:5.

Many professed Christians believe these injunctions and endeavor to obey them in their own strength. They deny self and count it works of merit. This is not what the Bible demands. This is not the way the self-denial is to take place. We are not told to deny ourselves of anything which would make us purer, better, more capable of God's blessing, or of better service to our fellow-men. We are to deny "ungodliness and worldly lusts," to crush out every high thing which exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bring every thought to the obedience of Christ. Titus 2:12; 2 Cor. 10:5. It costs suffering of the flesh to do this; but we do not have to do it in our own strength. If we did it by our power, we could then boast, and call self-denial a work of merit. But it is the grace and power of God that teaches this. "Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." Titus 2:12. We are to deny what is opposed to soberness, righteousness, godliness, in the strength of the grace of Christ.

He who has tasted of this grace should be grateful; and he who is grateful, who has been called a son of God, will for Christ's sake deny himself and find it easy. One who knew so much of that grace said, "The love of Christ constraineth us." There is no other way. M. C. W.