Commentary: 'Deny self for self's sake'

Ralph Fudge

There are many things and activities, though not necessarily sinful, that we would be wise to avoid.”

Benjamin Franklin gave the world a lot of wisdom in his adages. One of my favorites is, “Deny self for self’s sake.” The wisdom of this pithy saying is that we often desire things that are not good for us or that are not in our best interest.

There are many things and activities, though not necessarily sinful, that we would be wise to avoid. Take overeating, for example. I have had this problem since middle school. I was unfortunately endowed with a “healthy appetite.” It seems to be a family thing.

One afternoon when I was in eighth grade, I boarded the school bus for home. A boy whom I did not know did me a great favor unintentionally when he called me “fatso.” I had never been concerned about my weight until his comment really opened my eyes. This incident proves that what we often decry as abuse can have beneficial results. In fact, Franklin offered another adage: “Love your enemies, for they tell you your faults.”

Now, being overweight is not sinful, though gluttony certainly is. Many wonderful people I have known have had a weight problem. As I stated, weight control has been a challenge for me all my life. But the Lord has helped me each time I have asked for His help in anything. One of the ways He has helped me with avoiding weight gain, and even in losing weight, is a simple trick that I have used for years. It may not work for you, but here it is. Each day after dinner, I floss and brush my teeth. Now that is not an activity that I relish, and it is not one I wish to repeat. So, after I have done that, I am no longer even tempted to continue eating or snacking. The writer of Hebrews advises, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

We need to realize that our God is so great that nothing is impossible for Him. None of our problems is too great or too small. Many people think that God does not want to bother with our small problems, like weight control, but He already knows, and He cares for us. So let us remember to ask for God’s help in all situations. Remember what Peter tells us, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Please realize that I am certainly not advocating stoicism or excessive and unnecessary suffering. I am simply pointing out the fact that we need to live wisely and circumspectly, because the devil is temporarily in charge of the world, and he is dedicated to disrupting anything we attempt to do for God. We need to remember that Peter also advised that we, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

So, instead of trying to always give a brilliant retort to criticism, let us think and realize that there is always some truth in most remarks. Let us profit instead of retaliating. And, by all means, let us seek the Lord’s will in everything. He knows what is best and will tell us if we are willing to listen to the Holy Spirit, Who is in us. May we be strong in the Lord, strong enough to deny ourselves for our own sake.

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