Giving Up & Giving In

[Luke 9:23-25 ]
"And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it."

With the start of each new year, many Americans create New Year's resolutions to be healthier. During this season of Lent, Christians of various denominations may give 

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up an activity or food they enjoy. Both actions are a commitment to exercise self-control. 



In Galatians, we see that the fruit of the Spirit includes self-control. I think that self-control is one of the hardest virtues for humans to master. We are born with a lack of it. Just go to a playground and watch the dynamics of the children there. Throughout our lives we learn self-control in many, many various ways. We learn manners. We are potty-trained.  

But for various reasons, New Year's resolutions don't last. At the root of this physical goal, is a spiritual need. One more time: At the root of this physical goal, is a spiritual need. Beyond learning to control ourselves, we must learn to DENY ourselves and SUBMIT to God. 

Despite what the world is saying, the Truth is God can and will let you face more than you can handle. Not for his entertainment, but so that you can turn to HIM (not yourself) for strength.

[Matthew 4:4]
But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” 

During this Lenten season, as we give up activities and food, let us fill that time with reading the Bible and praying. Let that craving remind us of how spiritually hungry we really are. When we live to please ourselves, we will never be truly satisfied. But when we live to glorify the Lord, that is when we find true purpose, true meaning, true fulfillment.