James 4:7-10
The concept of self-denial is at the heart of Paul's teaching on submission to God: We have died with Christ and must sacrifice our lives for Him. In Titus 2:12, Paul writes of the grace of God training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, that is, to deny what the self desires. Self-denial requires genuine humility in submission, or it is merely a counterfeit.
Though salvation cannot be earned and no one can take believers from God, He insists on human involvement in the relationship. Drawing near requires active effort; those designed to exercise their minds and befriend Christ cannot simply let go, for human nature, influenced by Satan, twists God's mercy for selfish gain. Drawing near is also the antidote to double-mindedness, the instability and confusion of compartmentalizing sin and righteousness. Cleansing soiled hands and purifying hearts of spiritual adultery require recognizing sinfulness and disloyal wavering. Constant, intimate contact with God combats discouragement and depression, which overwhelm more easily when God is not the focus; the nearer one is to God, the easier it is for Him to develop His mind within. Be "dead serious" about the calling.