The Three R's

For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
1st John 2:16-17 NLT

I've been reading, researching and reflecting (my three R's) on the subject of self-denial for the last several days. There is much to be said about it in Scripture. Matthew 16:24 NKJV reads, Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." The New Living translation reads thusly, If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way,... You will note that denying yourself and taking up your cross are two distinct actions.

I don't seem to be able to put the right words together to put my thoughts to paper. I may just need to let them stew a while longer, but meanwhile, I feel compelled to write about this. So, I will write the excerpt from Tyndale House Publishers about the Scripture which is our Promise for Today.

Some people think that worldliness is limited to external behavior - the people we associate with, the places we go, the activities we enjoy. [However,] worldliness is also internal because it begins in the heart and is characterized by three attitudes: (1) craving for physical pleasure - preoccupation with gratifying physical desires; (2) craving for everything we see - coveting and accumulating, bowing to the god of materialism; and (3) pride in our achievements and possessions - obsessions with one's status or importance. When the serpent tempted Eve, he tempted her in these areas (Genesis 3:6). Also, when the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, these were his three areas of attack (Matthew 4:1-11).

By contrast, God values self-control, a spirit of generosity, and a commitment to humble service. It is possible to give the impression of avoiding worldly pleasures while still harboring worldly attitudes in one's own heart. It is also possible, like Jesus, to love sinners and spend time with them while maintaining a commitment to the values of God's kingdom. What values are most important to you? Do your actions reflect the world's values or God's?

Prayer:

Father,
           Show us our hearts. Reveal the thoughts and attitudes that don't reflect Christ. We pray as David prayed, Search us, O God, and know our hearts; test us and know our anxious thoughts. Point out anything in us that offends You, and lead us along the path of everlasting life. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen