Jesus said to His disciples, ’If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself . . .’ —Matthew 16:24
The characteristics of individuality are independence and self-will. We hinder our spiritual growth more than any other way by continually asserting our individuality. If you say, “I can’t believe,” it is because your individuality is blocking the way; individuality can never believe. But our spirit cannot help believing. Watch yourself closely when the Spirit of God is at work in you. He pushes you to the limits of your individuality where a choice must be made. The choice is either to say, “I will not surrender,” or to surrender, breaking the hard shell of individuality, which allows the spiritual life to emerge. The Holy Spirit narrows it down every time to one thing (see Matthew 5:23-24). It is your individuality that refuses to “be reconciled to your brother” (Matthew 5:24). God wants to bring you into union with Himself, but unless you are willing to give up your right to yourself, He cannot. “. . . let him deny himself . . .”— deny his independent right to himself. Then the real life-the spiritual life-is allowed the opportunity to grow.
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December 11, 2013-JDV
Lord, thank you for the reminder about my individuality…that it can get in the way. It seems that You only want one thing, my surrender to You. And when I surrender, I can relax, be at peace and simply “go play”.
And God says…”Everything in the Bible and life can be summed up in two steps; love your God with all your heart and mind, and love your neighbor as you love yourself. Now go play. Go live life and life more abundantly; laugh, love, work, sleep, eat, knowing that I will meet all your needs, according to my riches in heaven. Know that when you seek Me first I provide everything else you need. Delight yourself in the Lord and I will give you the desires of your heart.”
“Surrender to Me, then live out your day, eagerly and expectant, curious about what I am going to do…knowing that I have plans for your good, and I sealed that promise with My Son”