Saying "no" might be one of the hardest yet most transformative disciplines we can practice as followers of Jesus. When Christ commanded us to "deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him," He wasn't introducing a spiritual punishment system but rather offering a pathway to freedom.

In this deeply reflective conversation, we unpack how self-denial touches every area of our lives – from the Christmas tree cakes we crave to our social media habits that steal our attention. We share vulnerable stories about our own struggles with saying "no," including a particularly memorable experience with the temptation of a Little Debbie treat that ended with "chew and spit" tactics! Beyond the humorous moments, we explore how our eating patterns often reveal deeper spiritual issues about comfort, control, and what truly satisfies us.

The discussion moves beyond food to examine our relationship with money, time, and family priorities. We challenge the notion that "having no time" for spiritual disciplines is a legitimate excuse when we somehow find hours for mindless scrolling. Through personal examples of parenting decisions and running competitions, we illustrate how denying immediate desires often leads to unexpected blessings and alignment with God's purposes.

What makes this episode particularly powerful is the practical framework it provides for understanding Jesus's call to self-denial. This isn't about punishment or deprivation – it's about creating space for something greater. As the old hymn reminds us, when we "turn our eyes upon Jesus," the things of earth grow "strangely dim" in comparison to the glory and wonder of following Him. Join us for this challenging yet encouraging conversation about finding freedom through the counterintuitive practice of saying "no" to ourselves.

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Music from #InAudio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5NgiN3KLb4