The person without self-control is easy prey to the invader. He yields himself to the first assault of his ungoverned passions, offering no resistance…Having no discipline over himself, temptation becomes the occasion of sin, and hurries him on to fearful lengths that he had not contemplated.
Self-Denial
John Garmo
Lifestyle worship is sacrificial. A sacrifice is a gift of the essence or the product of our lives. It may be a gift of our time, a gift of our talent, or a gift of our treasure. Whatever shape it takes, it is a sacrifice given with no regard for a return on the investment.
Author Unknown
Character is made up of small duties faithfully performed–of self-denials, of self-sacrifices, of kindly acts of love and duty.
John Henry Newman
Let every one consider what his weak point is; in that is his trial. His trial is not in those things which are easy to him, but in that one thing, in those several things, whatever they are, in which to do his duty is against his nature. Never think yourself safe because you do your duty in ninety-nine points; it is the hundredth which is to be the ground of your self-denial. It is with reference to this you must watch and pray; pray continually for God’s grace to help you, and watch with fear and trembling lest you fall. Oh that you may (as it were) sweep the house diligently to discover what you lack of the full measure of obedience! for, be quite sure, that this apparently small defect will influence your whole spirit and judgement in all things.
William Law
Follow Christ in the denial of all the wills of self, and then all is put away that separates you from God; the heaven born new creature will come to life in you, which alone knows and enjoys the things of God, and has his daily food of gladness in that manifold blessed, and blessed, which Christ preached on the mount.
Sadhu Sundar Singh
Look at the candle. What is it used for? It is not for giving light? If it is to give light, it must burn and make itself less and less. But if the candle were to protest and say, “I will not burn an become less and less; I cannot suffer hurt, neither can my form be changed,” then what would be its value? In the same way, those who determine not to put self to death will never see the will of God fulfilled in their lives. Those who ought to become the light of the world must necessarily burn and become less and less. By denying self, we are able to win others.
A. W. Tozer
Give up your friendships, your possessions, your comforts, your ambitions, your reputation, your health and even your life, and you’ll find that God will give it all back to you, “pressed down, shaken together and running over” (Luke 6:38).