“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
(Colossians 3:5)
No life has ever displayed self-denial so perfectly as that of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:4-6 tells us, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant.” Likewise, 2 Corinthians 8:9 reminds us, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”
Christ’s supreme act of self-denial was His willingness to veil the glory of the Father’s presence in His humanity, to step down from the eternal joy of heaven, and to endure the Father’s wrath for sinners. Not only did He forsake the splendor of heaven, but He also denied Himself the common comforts of earth. He declared, “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). Isaiah called Him “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). Even the foxes and the birds had more rest than Christ, who confessed, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head” (Luke 9:58).[1]
As His disciples, we are commanded to imitate our Savior by mortifying our earthly desires as Colossians 3:5 instructs, “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth.” To mortify is to put to death—meaning we must actively put away fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affections, evil desires, and covetousness.
Self-denial demands that Christ be placed above everything, even the most cherished relationships. Jesus said in Luke 14:26, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple,” meaning our love for Christ must surpass all earthly loves.
Paul testified in Philippians 3:8, “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” All worldly pursuits fade in comparison to the treasure of knowing Christ. Yet the call to self-denial is not without promise. Jesus assures us in Luke 18:29-30 that whoever forsakes earthly ties for the sake of the kingdom will “receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.”
Therefore, while the cross of self-denial is heavy, it is accompanied by abundant blessings. The Savior who denied Himself for us calls us to take up our cross and follow Him, and He promises everlasting life to those who do.
Contemplations:
- Embracing Self-Denial. Colossians 3:5 is a reminder that self-denial is an essential aspect of my spiritual life. This verse instructs me to put aside my personal comforts and ambitions to pursue a life that honors God. Christ’s ultimate sacrifice inspires me to follow His example and live a life of self-denial for His glory and the sake of the kingdom.
- Prioritizing Christ Above All. In Luke 14:26, Jesus says, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Am I willing to put Christ above all else, even my closest relationships? This verse challenges me to examine my relationships and priorities to ensure that my love for the Lord surpasses all other loves.
- The Cost of Following Christ. Philippians 3:8 states, “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” Reflecting on this verse, I recognize the cost of following Christ. It requires me to let go of my personal desires and pursuits, understanding that they are utterly insignificant compared to knowing Christ and pursuing a deeper relationship with my Savior.
- The Reward of Self-Denial. Luke 18:29 reminds me of the rewards of self-denial: “… There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” This verse assures me that my sacrifices for Christ will be rewarded with much greater blessings both in this life and in eternity.
Prayer (Thanksgiving):
Gracious Lord, I thank You for the perfect example of self-denial displayed in Christ Jesus, who though He was rich, for my sake became poor that I might be rich in Him. I thank You for His willingness to empty Himself, to take the form of a servant, and to submit to death, even the death of the cross, that I might live. I give thanks that His obedience has become my righteousness and His sacrifice my salvation.
I thank You, Father, that Christ not only left the glory of heaven but also forsook the comforts of earth to walk the path of sorrow, grief, and rejection for me. I thank You that though He had no place to lay His head, He has now prepared a place for me in glory. His poverty secured my inheritance, and His suffering secured my peace.
I thank You, O Lord, that You call me to the same path of self-denial, for it is not a burden but a blessing. Though the cross of mortification weighs heavy, I’m thankful that through it You conform me more into the likeness of Christ. I thank You that through denying sin and worldly desires, I learn to treasure heavenly riches, and by losing my life, I find it in Christ.
Thank You that every sacrifice made for Christ’s sake is not forgotten but rewarded by manifold blessings in this present age and eternal life in the age to come. I thank You that though I count all things loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, You grant me eternal gain that far outweighs all I surrender.
Thank You for reminding me through Your Word that my sufferings are light compared to the glory to be revealed, and that self-denial is the mark of discipleship, drawing me nearer to Christ. May my heart ever overflow with thanksgiving for the privilege of following my Savior’s example, and may my lips never cease to give You praise for the unspeakable gift of His self-denying love.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further References for Colossians 3:5:
Ephesians 5:5; Romans 8:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:5; Proverbs 6:25
[1] John Flavel, The Method of Grace (London: M. White, for Francis Tyton .., 1681), 506.
