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Sacrifice Costs Something

The concept of sacrifice is a foreign concept. From birth we are instinctively selfish. That’s why every toddler’s favorite word is “Mine”! When we enter adolescence, our culture trains us to get more stuff. We are convinced that if we can just get, buy or have “Object A” our life will be complete. Only to find out later that “Object B” is now on the market. This, of course, means that “Object A” is now a worthless hunk of junk.

This idea of living the American dream is all about having the best and the most stuff. Subconsciously, we think that if we have more, we are more. That somehow acquiring possessions will mask or fill the brokenness in our lives. So we try hard to not be without.

But what about this idea of having less, specifically having less so that others can have more. A sacrifice for the benefit of others. Are our first world problems really problems at all? A sacrifice may be freely given, but it’s not a genuine sacrifice if it doesn’t mean anything to us. It’s easy to get rid of old clothes you haven’t worn in years. But you won’t even miss those. 

Giving sometimes means sacrifice. What are you holding too tightly to? A snack? A subscription? An extra luxury? Perhaps there is a double blessing in giving up things you want to meet the needs of others. You get more even if you have less.

Challenge:

What is God calling me to go without so that others can have something that can never be taken away (Jesus)?