It was almost 140 years ago that what we now know as the Self-Denial Appeal began. In 1886, General William Booth urged Salvationists to give up something for a period and donate the proceeds to God. This practice is similar to Lent or fasting, where a faithful follower of Jesus Christ seeks to deny themselves something for a period.

What is so beautiful is that as we offer our sacrifice, however big or small, something within us draws closer to God, deepening our love for Him and for others.

Not only does this experience help us to encounter God more deeply, but it is also an active investment in the Kingdom of God. It is a courageous act of sowing seeds in faith, even if we never personally see the trees that grow from those seeds.

The beauty and strength of the Self-Denial Appeal is that as we take the resources we have and use them sacrificially to further God’s Kingdom and mission, we not only strengthen the work of The Salvation Army internationally but also deepen our own faith.

We may spend much of our lives trying to ‘be our best selves’ or self-improve, but in Matthew 16:24, Jesus tells us that the path of discipleship is laid upon a foundation of sacrificial love and bold faith that brings shape to the Kingdom of God. It is the same road Jesus modelled through his life, death and resurrection. It is the true path of love.

‘Self-denial’ is not a phrase that is used widely in today’s culture. ‘Self-help’ may be more familiar upon bookstore shelves. People are desperate to find a way to improve their lives whether through experts, through their successes or on social media.

Yet Jesus tells us, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6, NIV)

Surely, the way forward, the truth of all things and the meaning of life are what people are really searching for, whether in shops, or in their successes or on social media. But a truly satisfying and meaningful life is found through following Jesus.

Mark 9:36–37 (NIV) says: “He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.’”

There is truly an upside-down and back-to‑front way of doing things in God’s Kingdom. Helping the smallest, the most vulnerable and the most overlooked in the world’s eyes helps us see others through God’s eyes—and see God more clearly with our own.

Denying ourselves helps us find the way, the truth, and live a life that is motivated with love just as God always intended for us and our world.

• How is the Self-Denial Appeal like ‘sowing seeds’ for you?
• In what ways do you see God in small things in the world?
• What might God be drawing your attention to in this season of sacrifice?
• How might God be asking you to respond as you are motivated by love?

Dear Lord God, please deliver us from the selfish desires that lead us astray. Draw us into your presence through the life and example of your Son, Jesus. Bring, to full bloom, the fullness of the life you intended for us, we pray. Bless the work of your Salvation Army and may we all be motivated by love.

Amen.