Have you tried to “decrease so He can increase,” but worried you’ll vanish? In this episode, I tackle a listener’s bold question—“If I empty myself of desires and put Jesus first, do I cease to be me?”—and unpack how kenosis (self-emptying) actually leads you to become more fully yourself in Christ.
We dive into:
• What is kenosis & asceticism?
• Everyday self-emptying — Holding doors, road-rage moments, & small acts of love
• Christian vs. Eastern asceticism — Love-filled transformation vs. ultimate nirvana
• Why self-emptying enriches your identity in Christ
Whether you’ve wrestled with your worth in God’s plan or just want clarity on Christian asceticism, this one’s for you.
📖 Featured Scriptures & Sources
• Philippians 2:5–8 — “Though He was in the form of God, He emptied Himself…”
• St. Irenaeus, Against Heresies — “The glory of God is man fully alive.”
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💬 Have a question about the faith? Drop it in the comments or call in 252-552-4747 we might feature yours next!
Timestamps
0:00 – Can self-emptying erase your identity?
0:35 – Defining asceticism & kenosis
0:53 – Everyday examples of kenosis
1:18 – Christian vs. Eastern asceticism
1:44 – How emptying yourself allows you to be more of yourself