Hey there, everyone! Welcome to a fresh perspective on navigating adulthood!
Song of the day: Eli-J: In Spite of All
Last week, we delved deep into the essence of adulthood, focusing on the art of maintaining concentration. We capped it off with a thought-provoking quote by Janice Marturano, which goes like this: “Our minds can become distracted by the urgent at the expense of the important, and we can become so preoccupied with yesterday and tomorrow that we are no longer able to excel at leading in the present.”
Now, let’s talk about something equally crucial on this journey into adulthood: self-denial. I know, I know, it sounds like a tough pill to swallow. After all, for many of us, adulthood symbolizes freedom, right? We’ve been fed this narrative our whole lives. “You can’t do that,” they said. So, naturally, we eagerly awaited our 18th birthday or the moment we could finally spread our wings in college or move out to taste the freedom that had been denied to us for so long!
Remember those days? Being hemmed in from going out, restricted from certain lunchtime indulgences because Mom insisted on her home-cooked meals, or maybe even being told you couldn’t date that special someone you had a crush on. And don’t even get me started on the movie restrictions – seriously, it felt like too much!
But why were there so many limits, you might wonder?
Alright, folks, brace yourselves because we’re diving into the realm of self-denial – and believe me, I get it, it feels like a total curveball, doesn’t it? Here you are, finally tasting the sweet nectar of freedom, and now someone’s telling you to put the brakes on enjoying life again! I mean, come on, YOLO, right? You Only Live Once.
But hey, today we’re tackling something essential: learning to say NO. Sure, saying no to others might seem like a breeze – after all, why should their feelings be your burden, right? So, it’s a firm NO from you! But what about saying no to yourself? Yep, buckle up, because we are about to venture into that territory.
Let us break it down with a relatable example. Picture this: you’re out and about, minding your own business, when suddenly, you spot someone who’s like a living, breathing dream. Instantly, your mind races to all sorts of enticing scenarios, but hold on a sec – remember those vows, those values you hold dear? Suddenly, the temptation is staring you right in the face, and the cake (or meat, if you will) is right there for the taking. No more sermons from the pastor or lectures from your folks – why not indulge?
Or how about those moments when your friends are itching to hit the town, and you’ve got this killer outfit just waiting to make an entrance? You know you’d turn heads and feel like a million bucks. And guys, imagine you’ve been grinding away at the gym, sculpting that perfect physique – why not flaunt it? But deep down, you know the intentions behind these desires don’t exactly align with being the best version of yourself, the one you aspire to be as a child of God. So, how do you hit the brakes?
It’s about learning to say no – not to others, but to yourself. It’s about resisting the impulses of the flesh, the ones that steer us away from walking in the path of our faith. Even when everyone else sees something as perfectly normal, can you muster the strength to say no – not to them, but to your own desires? It’s a journey, no doubt, but one that leads to greater self-awareness and spiritual growth.
Ah, the sweet taste of freedom that comes with adulthood – it’s liberating, no doubt. But here’s the thing, dear Christian brother and sister: the moment you handed your life over to Jesus, you also relinquished your freedom of self to Him (Matthew 16:24 -Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way (deny themselves), take up your cross, and follow me.) It’s a truth that might sting a bit, but as a follower of Christ, embracing self-denial becomes one of your most powerful weapons against the pulls of your flesh and the schemes of the evil one.
Let’s talk about fasting for a moment. It’s a classic example of self-denial within the Christian faith – by abstaining from food, you’re essentially saying no to your stomach’s desires and redirecting your focus towards the Master. But what about when you’re not fasting? Can your everyday life reflect that same spirit of self-denial towards your fleshly desires?
Here’s the reality check: as an adult, you might feel like you answer to nobody, but in truth, your decisions carry weight, and the choices you make today shape your tomorrow. Saying yes to every whim and desire might seem like living life to the fullest, but in reality, it’s a slippery slope. A person who says yes to everything can easily be swayed by anything.
So, let’s practice the art of saying no – even when it’s not necessarily the “wrong” thing to do. It’s about mastering self-denial. Sure, money might seem like the solution to all problems, but have you ever considered that self-control can save you from countless pitfalls? Think about it – the ability to say no to your immediate desires paves the way for a future where you’re truly in control of your destiny.
In essence, embracing self-denial isn’t about depriving yourself of joy or fulfillment. It’s about gaining mastery over your desires and laying the groundwork for a future filled with purpose and intentionality. So, the next time temptation comes knocking, remember: the art of self-denial is your key to unlocking a future of true abundance.
ROMANS 8
12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba,[g] Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Your sister
Sharon Paulina Boye
March 13, 2024
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