Do we deny selves?

For some reason this verse keeps coming to mind this morning:

Luke 9:23 
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

Summer time is here! The lake is calling, cookouts, sun tanning, camping, vacations, and family!! Whooo hooo! Nothing bad about about any of these things. BUT!!! Why does church attendance drop? Why do we get less volunteers to serve the Lord? When we examine the above verse are we being obedient to God?

Denying self is not easy. We want to satisfy our fleshly desires and well it seems God is usually the first one we cut out. I often ask why is Sunday night services or Wednesday services any less important than Sunday morning? They aren't but if you look at the supposed followers of God you sure can't tell it! It all goes back to the words of Jesus.....deny yourself, take up the cause of Christ (your cross), and follow Him. 

Are we? Examine yourself and see!

Tom