“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.'” — Matthew 16:24 (NIV). As we journey through Lent, a season of reflection and sacrifice, this verse feels especially relevant. Though I have often spent time pondering what does it truly mean to deny yourself and follow Christ?
Lent is a time when we intentionally deny ourselves something—whether it’s food, social media, or another comfort—to refocus our hearts on Christ. But beyond just giving something up for forty days, Jesus calls us to a lifelong practice of self-denial and surrender.
When I first read this verse, I imagined the physical weight of a cross—something massive and overwhelming. And truthfully, that’s how following Jesus can feel when my desires clash with His will. There are moments when I put my plans above God’s, choosing convenience or comfort over obedience.
Lent challenges me to examine my heart and ask: What am I clinging to that I need to surrender?
What Does It Mean to Deny Yourself?
Denying yourself doesn’t mean rejecting your personality or dreams. It means surrendering anything that competes with God’s authority in your life. It’s waking up each day and saying, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
For me, this means:
- Letting go of control – Trusting God even when I don’t understand His plan.
- Serving when it’s inconvenient – Loving others even when it costs me something.
- Resisting temptation – Saying no to sin, even when it’s difficult.
Lent is an opportunity to practice self-denial in small, tangible ways. Whether we fast from food, social media, distractions, or unhealthy habits, the goal isn’t just to give something up—it’s to make room for Christ.
Taking Up Our Cross
Jesus didn’t just say deny yourself—He said to take up your cross. The cross was a symbol of death and sacrifice, meaning that following Jesus requires daily surrender. Sometimes, that looks like:
- Letting go of a grudge and choosing forgiveness.
- Saying yes to God’s calling, even when it scares us.
- Prioritizing time with Jesus over distractions.
This isn’t easy. Self-denial is painful because it goes against our natural instincts. But Jesus promises that when we lose our life for His sake, we actually find true life (Matthew 16:25).
Steps to Get Back on Track
If you, like me, struggle with fully surrendering to Christ, here are a few steps to realign your heart:
- Pray for Strength – Ask God to reveal areas where you’re holding on too tightly.
- Fast with Purpose – Choose something to surrender this Lent and replace it with time in prayer or Scripture.
- Obey in Small Ways – Begin with one step of obedience today.
- Seek Accountability – Surround yourself with people who encourage your walk with Christ.
Heavenly Father,
During this season of Lent, I recognize how often I put my desires before You. I struggle with surrender, and I resist self-denial. But I don’t want to live for myself—I want to follow You wholeheartedly. Give me the strength to take up my cross daily, to choose obedience over comfort, and to trust You even when it’s hard. Show me what I need to surrender and help me walk in faith. Thank You for Your grace and patience as I grow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
Take a moment to reflect on these questions:
- What is one area of your life that God might be calling you to surrender during this season of Lent?
- How can you “take up your cross” in a practical way today?
- What distractions or comforts might be preventing you from fully following Christ?
