The way that Christ Jesus revealed for us requires self-denial. And this self-denial is synonymous with self-sacrifice: the giving up of all beliefs that man is a mortal, an independent material entity, a self-important ego. Such sacrifice is essential, for it is only the mortal sense of ego that would attempt to circumscribe and limit one's individuality and destiny, thus depriving the individual of his rightful spiritual heritage as the child of God. The one true Ego, divine Mind, is reflected by Mind's idea, the real man, and is the source of man's infinite intelligence, spiritual identity, and freedom to fulfill God's purpose.
Jesus' words to his followers clearly coupled daily cross-bearing with self-denial as the measure of discipleship. He had said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily."
Luke 9:23 The cross can symbolize the rigorous but always purifying and uplifting demands of Christly living, including the readiness to obey voluntarily the will of God in all circumstances. It is only when we are unwilling to adhere to divine Principle and fail to deny mortal selfhood, the lie of identity separate from God, that the cross would seem too heavy to bear. For when we carry the confining burdens of personal sense, false pride, and human will, our spiritual progress becomes bogged in the mire of selfishness and egotism.
But the humble desire to do the Father's will actively uplifts with divine energy and joy our cross-bearing. Such an unselfed motive enables us to hear unencumbered the Christ, Truth, which graciously calls, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Matt. 11:28 As we follow in Jesus' way, glorious freedom and dominion are gained with each forward step.
