Self-denial conjures up in our minds all sorts of images of groveling and
self-hatred. We imagine that it most certainly means the rejection of
our individuality and will probably lead to various forms of
self-mortification.
On the contrary, Jesus called us to self-denial without self-hatred.
Self-denial is simply a way of coming to understand that we do not have
to have our own way. Our happiness is not dependent upon getting what
we want. Self-denial does not mean the loss of our identity as some
suppose. Without our identity we could not even be subject to each
other. Did Jesus lose His identity when He set His face toward
Golgotha? Did Peter lose his identity when he responded to Jesus’
cross-bearing command, “Follow me” (John 21:19)? Did Paul lose his
identity when he committed himself to the One who had said, “I will
show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name” (Acts 9:16)?
Of course not. We know that the opposite was true. They found their
identity in the act of self-denial.
Self-denial is not the same thing as self-contempt. Self-contempt
claims that we have no worth, and even if we did have worth we should
reject it. Self-denial declares that we are of infinite worth and shows us
how to realize it. Self-contempt denise the goodness of the creation;
self-denial affirms that it was indeed good. Jesus made the ability to
love ourselves the prerequisite for our reaching out to others
(Matt. 22:39).
Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline
Who is Richard Foster? Foster is a Christian theologian, educator,
and author in the Quaker tradition. His best know work is the
Celebration of Discipline, which offers instruction on a variety of
inward and outward spiritual disciplines, such as, prayer, fasting,
simplicity, confession and worship. It was named by Christianity
Today as one of the top ten books of the twentieth century.
To visit the Lenten Meditations site, click here.
To visit The Practical Disciple, click here.
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