101 Ways to Deny Self

It is easy to call oneself a disciple of Jesus, but quite difficult to take his directive to Peter seriously: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross." (Mt. 16:24) Churches today often preach a gospel of self-fulifillment, or, just as dangerously, they prescribe intense lists and regulations for denying self. These only produce false humility, self-righteousness, or despair. True denial of self is simply giving the lordship of our body over to Jesus. 10