Giving Up the Best for the Greater

by Shane Skipper

"Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness." — Philippians 2:7

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." — 1 John 3:16-20

Ready: A father has been tracking a trophy 8-point deer for weeks. When the moment arrives, he realizes the deer is moving toward the spot where his 12-year-old son is stationed. Instead of taking the shot, he lets the deer pass, allowing his son to make the harvest, marking his first successful hunt. Later, while trout fishing, the father spots a beautiful rainbow trout in front of him. Rather than casting his line, he calls his son over, pointing out the fish and guiding him through the process. This pattern of giving up the best for his son’s success repeats year after year. The father’s love is shown in his willingness to sacrifice his trophies to see his son succeed.

Aim: Matthew 7:9-12, Philippians 2:7

Fire: Sometimes we overlook the sacrifice Jesus made, assuming it was easy for Him because He is God. But He gave up the best—leaving the perfect comfort of heaven to experience our struggles, suffering, and even death. Jesus endured stress, weariness, and pain, and took on our sins for a greater purpose: you. He did this out of a deep love and desire for us to spend eternity with Him. Reflect on this love, and invite the Spirit of God to examine your heart and life.

Follow-Through: John 3:16-21, John 15:13, Isaiah 53:1-9, 1 Peter 2:21-25