Mark 3.36-37
For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life?

Part of learning the type of self-denial that Christ calls us to is to learn to value life the way God does instead of the way the world does. The world values fame but God values the humble. The world values wealth but God values the giver and frugal. The world values winning at all costs but God values servant leadership, even being the least of these if that is what is required.
Christ is not calling us to the opposite of life in this passage. Instead, through self-denial we find a better way of living, the way of living in God’s Kingdom.
What have you been tempted to do recently that is selfish or self-serving? How can you change your approach to a selfless one that will help you find deeper life in Christ’s Kingdom?