It is through following Christ according to the steps He laid down (self-denial, cross bearing and following Him) that we find our life and peace. Self-destructive lifestyle habits can only be overcome by self-denial and cross bearing. Yet even with those two steps, life can become very meaningless, if those steps are not part of being a follower of Jesus. Greater victories are gained when a person has a new paradigm for living and a new source of joy and peace.
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
