Self - Denial

John 4:31-34
Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something."
But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."
"My food, is to do the will of him who sent me to finish his work."

This is the most difficult practice to maintain for it requires the development of attitudes and habits that depend on long-term results rather than on immediate gratification. All too often, us humans are geared for the shallow quick resolution of the fleshly cravings and lusts rather than reaping the benefit and blessing of a spiritually therapeutic solution. It is the incessant worldly cry for fulfillment and satisfaction that causes most problems. Apart from accidental mishaps, motivations and intents that come from our desire for self-fulfilment create the world's misery. As a simple directive, engaging the God in our lives is paramount.

The heart may be willing, be the flesh is certainly week. Our first response is that if many are living life for self, why should I be different? Well, if we want to be unfulfilled, restless, and a chronic malcontent we should live life by the ways of the world. Otherwise, the practiced effort to direct our temptations through the Creator; to surrender of anxiety and restlessness to Him is our only true challenge. Are we God's kids or do we belong to our needs and possessions? If the latter, we have within us a demand that separates us from our Creator and exasperates our misery. It is called "sin," and it leads to complete and utter failure at being content. It leads to death.

Self-denial necessarily includes giving up things or attachments that we do not want to give up -- that we want to keep. To help in our efforts to be freed from the temptation and lure of the world, spiritual discipline is the order. It is often a small sacrifice that aids in our preparation for the big problems. A systematic practice of self-denial from food or drink will bring about a clear and conscious sense of divine resource. Fasting confirms our utter dependence upon God. It is a spiritual feast. It teaches moderation and restraint from all other forms of inclinations of self. A tolerance to hunger cravings is many times the training ground for appropriately responding to unavoidable discomfort, trouble or crisis. At all times, we are to strive for the will of God in our life. This is the only way to true joy and productivity.