Really? Really!

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."
Matthew 16:24

The hardest part of denying one's self is not the bad, the ugly, the sin. It is denying one's right to be seen or understood as good, righteous, and praiseworthy.

This is not a matter of straining gnats and swallowing camels! One's ultimate desire is to desire Christ himself, not Christ's "gifts".

Want peace? Desire Christ! Want love? Desire Christ! Want joy? Desire Christ! 

Now, as any time, is a good time to stop playing "at" and start participating "in" your own "righteous death". And there is only one way...deny yourself.

Holy God, in your strength, through your will, by your Spirit, lead me to the cross of Jesus Christ. Crucify in me any and all right - the good and the bad that represents my right to being in charge or control of my life.

With your Spirit, I will proclaim, Jesus is Lord, Jesus is Savior! In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.