Of Denying the Self

It is only upon realizing
how weak
you really are
that you find out
the real meaning
of denying oneself
as Jesus
instructed us.

Jesus did not tell us
to deny ourselves
just for the sake of it,
or for the sake of afflicting
suffering upon us,
but so that we may avoid
the greater suffering
when we allow the flesh
to rule over us
rather than the God
who loves us
and who is the only One
who can uplift us
and guide us to perfection
and true happiness.