Self-Denial, the Characteristic Blessed by God

Self-Denial, the Characteristic Blessed by God Devotional Reading July 5, 2023

“Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ ” —Matthew 19:21

Benevolence: a loving and voluntary contribution, a free gift of time and money in helping others without the expectation of something in return.

At one time there were marked differences in the characters of Christian believers and unbelievers. We helped those in need because we loved Jesus. From the diligent study of Christ’s life, we acknowledged that it was our Christian duty to follow in the footsteps of Christ who ministered by alleviating the sufferings of others. We gave without hesitation! And God blessed us with all of our needs because of our heartfelt compassion to help others who were suffering.

The transition of giving of our time and financial resources has always been a focus of Bible-based churches. Community Outreach ministries had an overabundance of donations, clothing, household items, and non-perishable goods along with church members who willingly and actively participated in meeting the needs of others.

As we have progressed in our walk of life, our focus has turned from Jesus and helping others to ourselves. We have jumped into the worldview pot that started on simmer [not too much extravagance] but is now at a raging boil [buy everything you desire]. And inside the pot is only one ingredient “Me, Me, Me,” and one ultimate purpose, self-gratification.

Sadly, we have developed a spirit of selfishness without feeling any remorse. The line that is used to differentiate between need and greed is blurred. With a sense of entitlement, we keep purchasing earthly treasures. And with every unnecessary purchase to please our desires, we are separated from God and our spiritual reward of eternal life.

“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” — 1 Timothy 6:9-10

Reflection: Do I have a heart filled with the pursuit of self-gratification?

Sin’s gift: “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” —Jeremiah 17:9

We were born with a heart [mind] that is out of control. We are driven to think sinful thoughts and easily perform sinful behaviors. Even the apostle Paul who strived to live righteously revealed his struggle, “For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out (Romans 7:18).

“So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12, BSB).

The habit of Accumulation is a difficult habit to overcome. And we will never have victory without constant prayer. Tell yourself, “Enough is Enough!” Approach life with a spirit of humility always seeking God’s guidance before spending the money that He has blessed you with.

God is aware of the weed of sin and its desires that are always growing rapidly within us. We cannot overcome our sin of greed without God! Do we have the heartfelt desire to change? With the human effort of self-control and the Divine Help of the Holy Spirit, every sinful inclination, inherited tendency, and learned behavior can be eradicated.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” —Hebrews 4:12

Satan desires that we never study the Bible. He can present temptations to which we easily succumb when we lack spiritual knowledge! Change your perception of the Bible. God has given us the Scriptures for the protection and edification of our minds, bodies, and souls.

The Holy Bible, our Guide identifies the sinful condition of our hearts. Yet, we have Spiritual Guidance from countless Scriptures on living a victorious life through Jesus Christ. We are promised victory over the battle within when we forsake our inner desires and pray for the Holy Spirit’s intervention.

The Good News: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” —1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV

“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.” —Isaiah 30:21

God has also given us the ability to receive His guidance through our inner voice—our conscience. We have a soul-to-God connection that is never severed until our physical death. Go to your quiet place to pray and meditate when you feel the urge to spend money frivolously. If you are in the store, do not give in to the “Sale” sign. Pray for strength and walk away! Pray constantly for spiritual wisdom and discernment to learn the difference between necessity and want.

Our Heavenly Father’s goal is the spiritual transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities in our earthly lives. But He never forces us to change. We must decide to let go of all unrighteousness including wasting God’s resources.

Take immediate action to rid yourself of overage. Pray with conviction! And then look in your closet, storage containers, junk drawers, and garages for items that you have not used for 6 months or more. Donate to churches that have community programs and to non-profit organizations that resell at low prices.

Giving must become a habit to overcome our innate selfishness. Continual giving provides a double blessing, to the giver and the receiver. In giving, we become changed, our selfishness dies and the persons in need are blessed.

Scripture: “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” —2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Prayer: God we confess and ask for forgiveness of wasting the financial resources You have blessed us with on the accumulation of earthly treasures. We ask for the strength and power of the Holy Spirit to overcome this sinful habit. In Jesus’ Worthy name, we pray. Amen.

© 2023 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries