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Right Sacrifice

Shanta Chrichlow

Ready:

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.” Matthew 13:44

Set:

A sacrifice in baseball is when a batter bunts the ball making himself an easy target and allowing for a base runner or runners to advance. Sacrifice is an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy. We make sacrifices as coaches and athletes. We willingly suffer through pain and discomfort in exchange for a chance to excel in our sport and have a shot at a championship title.

Jesus shared two parables in Matthew 13:44-46 that demonstrate sacrifice. In both stories, the main character willingly trades all his possessions for something of far greater value. That’s what a life with Jesus is like; it’s worth more than everything we possess. Jesus willingly traded His life so that we might have eternal life. He considers us and God’s glory more valuable than what He had to suffer.

We not only choose to sacrifice; we choose what to sacrifice. We may choose to spend the little free time we have with family and friends over getting extra sleep or spending time in God’s Word over watching our favorite show. When we trade things of truly higher value for things worth far less (that appear to be worth more), we’re left feeling unfulfilled. So, let’s not just sacrifice, let’s make the right sacrifices for Jesus.

Go:

1. What are some things you’ve decided to give up to be a better athlete/coach?

2. What have you decided not to give up?

3. What do you feel that you should sacrifice to improve your life with Jesus?

Workout:

• Matthew 13:45-46
• Mark 8:34-37
• Romans 5:6
• John 3:16

Overtime:

“Lord, a life with You is worth far more than all I possess even my comfort. Lead me by Your Spirit and help me to make the right sacrifices today.”