In the Galatian letter Paul speaks much of his own self-denial for Christ’s sake, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (2:20). In another place he speaks of the “world being crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” In the Roman epistle he speaks to the same doctrine when using these words, “For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter” (8:36). Self-denial, like crucifixion is a long, drawn-out matter. When a victim was crucified, death was not instant. Sometimes the poor victim would linger many days. The same thing in principle applies to self-denial. The mortifying of the flesh, as Paul deals with it in the Colossian letter, is a life-long, painful operation. Yet, to die to our own comforts, ambitions and plans is the very essence of true Christianity. Richard Baxter said “Kill sin before it kills you.” He also said this, “The cross must be borne, carried; we are not at liberty to step over it, or go around to avoid it.” As Jesus, my Master cried out “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). I cry out often. There are times when my Father’s presence is overshadowed by the cares of this world. He seems to have withdrawn from me, often because of my unbelief. Then I remember, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” (Deuteronomy 31:6-8 & Hebrews 13:5). But the Father did forsake His Son and our being seemingly forsaken is part of that bearing of the cross. We must remember that when He puts us in the furnace He will always be there with us, just as He was with Daniel’s three friends for their testimony for the true and living God. The trying of our faith often comes when we take those greatest stands. The strength of our faith seems to be when all things are against us. The preciousness of our faith is through adversity. Our faith will increase the more it is exercised with troubles. Our love to our Lord Jesus will be our self-denial and our zeal for His glory. If we love Him with all our hearts it will manifest itself in our lives. At times we get so caught up in this world, something will steal away our hearts and we become unmindful and forgetful of our Lord Jesus. Our affections for Him become cold. Our businesses, even our families may take away our love for Him. Lord don’t forsake us in our hours of trial and temptations. We cannot do without Your constant upholding. “Forsake me not, O Lord.” “Hold Thou me up, and I shall be safe.” Listen my dear friend, this life offers only two alternatives, crucifixion with Christ or self-destruction without Christ.
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