Deny Yourself Does Not Mean Erase Yourself

Today’s Scripture is: Mark 8:34–36 **Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.** This episode tackles one of the most misused phrases in all of scripture — and one that has caused real harm for a lot of people. We look at what Jesus was actually calling us toward, through the lens of psychology and the concept of the true and false self. We explore: -The difference between denying the false self and erasing your personhood -How fear-based identity forms — and why it's not the truest version of who you are -Why "take up your cross" is not an invitation to accept abuse, toxic relationships, or depression as God's will -Jesus as a model of strength, not smallness — and what that means for us To Go Deeper: Blog post: What Does It Really Mean to Deny Yourself Get the first 3 chapters free of The Best of You Episode 56: Am I Really Supposed to Die To Myself? Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison’s free email community for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.‍ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices