The culture of the kingdom is not a means to furthering our lordship over our lives, but a means of wrecking it.
Onward p. 86
Jesus said it this way, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.”
Losing involves repentance—not just of deeds and words or even thoughts. Losing involves repentance of ourselves. Because of the fall, at our very core, we believe we are lords. So it is repentance of self that is necessary. For there is only one Lord, and he suffers no rivals. But he joyfully welcomes all who will lay down their self-made scepters and bow to him.
Lingering Over Leaves 