Why, Lord, do we have to deny ourselves?

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

AS we already know, Christ expressed with unmistakable clarity what is required of those who desire to become his disciples. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross,” he declared. He then explained the profound reason behind this demanding invitation: “For he that will save his life, shall lose it, and he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall find it.” (Mt 16:24-25)

These words can understandably provoke disbelief and challenge our ordinary way of thinking. One may ask, “Lord, why should following you require such sacrifice? If you truly love us and possess infinite power, why not make discipleship easier and more attractive?”

A proper response begins by approaching Christ’s teaching through the light of faith rather than relying exclusively on natural reason. Faith extends far beyond the limits of human understanding.

It does not contradict reason but perfects and elevates it. Consequently, humility becomes the indispensable condition for receiving faith. Without genuine humility, the human mind remains closed to the divine wisdom that faith communicates.

Christ, who perfectly knows what leads to authentic human flourishing, calls us to deny ourselves and embrace the cross not to burden life unnecessarily but to liberate us from the narrow confines of selfishness.

His purpose is to replace self-sufficiency with confident reliance on his providence. Self-denial is therefore not an assault upon human personality but an invitation to entrust one’s life to Christ, the perfect model of authentic humanity and the Redeemer who restores our wounded nature.

Such self-denial primarily requires rejecting disordered self-love and the tendency to live solely according to what can be perceived by the senses. In doing so, we transcend the limitations of our merely natural existence and become capable of participating in the supernatural life of God. Created in his image and likeness, we are destined to share in his divine life and to participate in his very nature.

Nevertheless, denying oneself remains difficult because it demands a profound transformation of our ordinary inclinations. Human nature instinctively seeks self-preservation, comfort, and personal control. Christ’s invitation to self-denial therefore requires us to relinquish the supremacy of our own desires and to reorient our lives toward the fulfillment of God’s will.

Indeed, several realities make this complete surrender to Christ especially demanding. We possess a strong inclination to direct every aspect of our lives according to our own preferences. We naturally desire to determine our future, pursue our own ambitions, and seek personal recognition. Surrendering this autonomy to Christ can easily appear as though genuine freedom were being diminished.

Moreover, the Christian life involves an enduring interior struggle between earthly desires and the promptings of the Holy Spirit, between the inclinations of the flesh and those of the spirit. Pride, anger, selfishness, and similar tendencies become deeply rooted through repeated choices and therefore require continual vigilance, discipline, and divine assistance if they are to be overcome.

Yet, if we cultivate authentic humility, allow ourselves to be guided by the light of faith, and remain open to the transforming power of divine grace, nothing that Christ asks of us is ultimately beyond our capacity. We have already been forewarned that genuine discipleship necessarily entails carrying the cross and embracing suffering with perseverance.

Accordingly, we must continually reform our patterns of thought and conduct so that our judgments, decisions, and responses increasingly conform to the wisdom and will of God rather than remaining governed merely by our own limited perspectives.

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com