What does deny yourself mean in the bible actually?

If you've spent any time reading the New Testament or sitting in a church pew, you've probably wondered what does deny yourself mean in the bible, especially when Jesus presents it as a non-negotiable for anyone who wants to follow Him. It's one of those phrases that sounds incredibly intense, maybe even a little scary, when you first hear it. It conjures up images of monks living in cold stone cells or people giving up every single thing that makes them happy. But when you look at the context of the Gospels, it's actually a lot more practical—and a lot more hopeful—than it sounds at first glance. ...

March 1, 2026 · 7 min · Jimmy Abdul