Why would people want to deny themselves? We don't want to. Self denial is willingly forgoing something desirable. It's choosing a course of action that goes against your normal inclinations.
Self denial goes against our (typically) selfish human nature. It's just like Jesus to instruct us to go against our selfishness. He said, "If anyone would come after me he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." That sounds like a path to a lousy life, but Jesus insisted that it's the way to real life. Christians are called to live like this, and it's challenging for all of us.
There are lots of ways to practice self denial. Here are a few suggestions.
- Choose the longest, slowest line at the grocery store.
- Let the other person be right.
- Stop insisting that people understand or see your point of view.
- Give away a prized possession.
- Forego a favorite food (for a season).
- Get up early for some unselfish purpose.
- Donate money to a worthy cause.
- Offer sincere compliments, when you are in a foul mood.
- Acknowledge your short comings to God and ask for forgiveness.
The more we deny ourselves, the more our mental wiring is reconfigured, making us less self-centered and more others-centered. That's a good thing.
