So many of us who call ourselves Christian have "I" trouble. We live in a day when the dominating attitude is "be selfish." Self-love, self-worth, self-esteem. The media underscores the value of doing for self: "You owe it to yourself." Advertisers use this to sell products: food, cars etc.
Jesus says, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself." Luke 9:23. This challenges me. This arouses my loyalty to Christ, as a Christian.
The ultimate choice in life lies between pleasing ourselves, or pleasing God. A few years ago, my grandchildren wore wrist bracelets which had beads with letters printed on the beads WWJD. These initials stood for "What would Jesus do?" What Jesus did was deny Himself for us all. In response, you will agree, I believe, that there is too little "pleasing God on our part" by denial of self when challenged to make a choice.
The Christian life is not without its challenges. A small boy watched a preacher doing some carpenter work. He didn't say a word as he watched the preacher hammering. Finally, the pastor asked him why he was watching. The boy answered, "I just wonder if you will say what my daddy says when he hits his finger." People are watching and listening if we really are Christian when we are hurt or hurting.
In all circumstances, even in the probability of death, true Christians will deny self to serve Christ due to hope that lieth within them from the promises from the word of God. We learned of United Flight 93, Sept. 11, 2001. Todd Beamer, passenger, reported by cell phone the hijacking of the plane by terrorists. He cried out to God. His last words were, "Help me, Jesus!" He and other passengers stormed the cockpit. Before they could gain control of the plane, it hit the ground, killing all on board. The terrorists goal was the U.S. Capitol or the White House. Just what would I, as a Christian, do in a similar, possible fatal challenge?
His wife heard his phone call from him, and knew Todd would end up in heaven as he was a Christian who would deny himself and serve his Lord to the end. I pray that You and I, Christian, would deny ourselves and take up the cross of opportunity for Christ.
Away with the "I" trouble, let us really live for Christ.
