The Importance of Self-Denial and Following Jesus

Jesus invites us to deny ourselves and prioritize our allegiance to Him over our own desires. It is not about exclusivity but about aligning our lives with a greater purpose and calling. Our appetites, though not inherently bad, should be checked and not left unchecked, as the unchecked pursuit of our appetites can lead to our destruction. Self-denial is difficult, as it goes against our natural inclination towards selfishness. However, denying ourselves leads to finding our purpose in God and living a life that is dedicated to the praise of His glorious grace. The fuel for self-denial is the gospel, as it fills our lives with the mercies and grace of God, driving out our self-centeredness and enabling us to live in pursuit of Jesus.