John Stanko

"It is a day of sabbath rest, and you must deny yourselves; it is a lasting ordinance" - Leviticus 16:31.

The phrase deny yourself was used by a now-famous carpenter-turned-rabbi many centuries after Moses wrote these words in Leviticus: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me" (Mark 16:24). This act of self-denial was not to be a ritual observed one day every week but was to be a lifestyle that distinguished Jesus' followers from everyone else on earth. Leaders are no exception to this edict, and must refuse their instinct toward self-indulgence by denying self. This denial takes the form of serving others, refusing to use power for personal gain, and refraining from revenge, gossip, and theft. 

LEADERSHIP STEP: Your Rest Stop today is to meditate on your current level of self-denial in your walk with Jesus. What evidence can you provide that you are truly denying your tendencies toward selfishness and self-service? Do you refuse opportunities to talk about yourself or to draw attention to your accomplishments, and accept working with others with whom you would naturally prefer not to work? Where may you be resisting the cross Jesus is asking you to carry?