Spiritual self-denial (Christianity)

Spiritual self-denial (St John of the Cross) implies not only discipline with respect to physical gluttony but to the seeking of pleasure in spiritual exercises. The aim is not to seek spiritual delights and blessings from God, which is childish and self-indulgent. Such behaviour makes travelling the road of the cross very difficult. Eventually, through temptation, spiritual dryness and other trials the person is led to spiritual self-restraint, self-denial, reverence and submission. Even spiritual pleasures are perfect only in being able to refuse them.