Denial

 Luke 9:23-24 ESV

 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 

These are counterintuitive words. Jesus is calling his followers to a life of self denial and self sacrifice. He's telling us we're to be prepared to die for him. 

Many of Christ's followers down the ages have literally been martyred for their faith in him. All of us must die to self every day. We need to crucify our flesh with its desires.

Jesus seems to state the opposite of what we might expect. We might think self preservation is a prudent thing. He calls it spiritual suicide.

On the other hand, if we do die to self for Jesus's sake, we will be saved. We're not saved by our obedience. Yet if we are truly saved, we will be obedient to our Lord and Saviour.

'Almighty Lord, may we obey you as we ought. Help us to deny ourselves and to glorify you as you deserve. For the honour of your name, amen'.