Giving of Yourself

“For God so loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NLT)

‘Sacrifice’ is not a word we use much today. Most magazines and self-help books are about how you can be thinner, richer, look better, have the best, wear the best and be the most impressive. While I have no problem with anyone trying to look and be their best, our busy lives will begin to feel pretty empty if we don’t understand the importance of sacrifice.

Many Christians make the mistake of thinking that looking after themselves to a greater degree will lead to a better life. Of course, you need to look after your health and keep your life in balance, and I’m certainly not suggesting that you let anyone abuse, mistreat or take advantage of you. However, there’s more to life than looking out for number one. If you never sacrifice anything, you’ll never have the life you want or the fulfilment you crave.

Sacrifice is not unfamiliar to God. When God sacrificed Jesus for us, He didn’t consider it an inconvenience. God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son. It was the ultimate act of love and strength. You also act in love through the little sacrifices you make to create loving relationships, a happy home and a church that everyone can enjoy.

Do you see the little (and big) sacrifices you make for God, your relationships and your church as inconveniences? Annoyances? A drain on your energy? Begin to think of these sacrifices not as losing something, but as giving something. When you do, they’ll begin to light up your world!