Living simple life

"I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things" (Phil 3:8) Self-denial is not cheap. Jesus challenged His followers to count the cost. What Jesus actually wanted was to deepen the commitment of His followers (Lk 14:27-33). Those who kept going after Him just for blessings and miracles would be terribly disappointed. As disciples of Christ we are called to deny ourselves of even certain legitimate rights and enjoyments of life (1 Cor 7:29-31). While listing out the signs of the endtimes, Paul says, "Men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money." (2 Tim 3:1,2). It's foolish to wait for a calamity to strike us and force us to loosen our grip on riches. Jesus became poor voluntarily. Self-denial is the supreme spiritual exercise. Self-denial was reflected in everything Jesus chose to do- Jesus denied Himself of the perfect beauty and splendor of His deity and became "sin" for us (2 Cor 5:21). He refused to yield to the pressure of temptations to show off His power (Mt 4:3-11). He forewent the basic comforts in life and went forth without a place to lay His head (Mt 8:20). Unmindful of His time to sleep or sup, He ministered to ignorant teachers and ignominious thirsters (Jn 3&4). He refused to be influenced by the filial love of His own family members in the matters of the Kingdom of God (Mt 12:46-50). He laid aside the prestige of His lordship in order to wash the feet of His disciples (Jn 13:3-5). He refused to pray to the Father for the release of battalions of angels to fight for Him (Mt 26:53,54). He directed sympathizers to weep for themselves and their children (Lk 23:27,28). He refused a pain-killer drink while agonizing on the Cross (Mt 27:34). He denied Himself of the Throne and became a "sacrifice" on the Altar (Eph 5:2). This is self-denial.Shall we follow Him? All that we have is not for us to enjoy. All that we earn is not for us to expend. "Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple," said Jesus (Lk 14:33). Here lies our problem. We attempt what Jesus pointed out as impossible. Mother Teresa's belongings were a Bible, a rosary, two sarees and a suitcase - that's all!     In full and glad surrender I give myself to Thee,     Thine utterly and only and evermore to be.     Reign over me, Lord Jesus; oh, make my heart Thy throne;     It shall be Thine, dear Saviour, it shall be Thine alone! From www.Stanleyonbible.com