Self-denial. Scripture, reflection and prayer.

Matthew 16:24-26 NIV

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

Reflection. 

Dietrich Bonhoffer, commenting on this passage in the 1930s in Nazi Germany, wrote, 'When Christ calls a man (sic), he bids him come and die.' Bonhoffer was a pastor and theologian and stood up against Hitler, even to the extent fo joining with the group who sought to asassinate the evil tyrant. Bonhoffer was a man of peace and yet... He was hanged on the personal order of Hitler less than a month before the end of WW2. Following Christ Jesus lived out - he bids him come and die... 

What might be the cross we are called to carry? By the way, the rewards are worth it. 

Prayer. 

Lord Jesus, please send your Holy Spirit that I might follow you. Amen.