Sunday, May 31, 2009

What am I willing to sacrifice?

This week the subject of sacrifice has been coming repeatedly in my quiet time, Bible Studies and even at church. Many times I know that I take the term sacrifice forgranted and don't really consider what it means. Here is just one definition of sacrifice: a surrender of something of value in order to gain something more desirable or prevent some evil.

If I go by this definition, then what thing of value am I willing to give up in order to gain or prevent evil? I know this sounds sort of random and in a way it is. I am attempting to put a jumble of thoughts into one place so bare with me here. The first time this week that this came up was on Thursday morning. I will be honest, I was VERY discouraged by some situations and relationships in my life.

It wasn't that they were necessarily bad but rather complicated and not as "smooth" or "right" as I wanted them to be. I sat on the couch to begin preparing for a discipleship time I had later that morning. I was reading about the cost of discipleship. WHAT?!!! Discipleship required sacrifice? What had I gotten into? I mean of course I knew I would have to maybe give of my time and energy but SACRIFICE - I didn't know I signed up for this!!! As I kept reading the author talked about the time, energy, but then he brought up something else - the cost of relationships. The point the author was getting at was this - when we are encouraging others in their walk with the Lord, there are times that we have to point out sin or areas of weakness in others. Sometimes they will respond in love and they will thank us but there are other times that they will become bitter or angry. They may no longer want to hear what we have to say.

The second time sacrifice came up was later that day in a conversation with Joel. We were discussing my choice to stay home this summer and be with kids and be available more for hands on ministry. However - without my income things have been really tight and hard to manage. So we began to discuss was this really a choice we could live with? Was it worth the sacrifice of extra money?

Finally, sacrifice came up tonight at a concert at church. Russ Murphy came to our church - he is a Chrisitan Country Artist who has dedicated his ministry to the men, women and family of our service men and women. He talked about their sacrifice on behalf of our country. They sacrifice their lives so that we can live in freedom.

So as I contemplate this subject of sacrifice I have to say - What am I willing to sacrifice for the cause of Christ? What will I be willing to give up in order to prevent evil from prevailing? Or am willing to give up anything? So here is the conclusion that I have come to - as hard as it will be, I am willing to sacrifice my life as I know it for the cause of Christ. This will mean that there will be times that those who I call friends will turn on me at times, this means that I may not have the financial means that others have, it may mean that I will not get to do things that I have set my hopes and dreams on - yet for Christ it is worth it all!

Christ sacrificed His life for me, Soldiers have laid down their lives for the freedom I enjoy - in turn I will not let either be in vain - I will serve Christ boldly and with joy! I will honor those who have given their lives (both in death and on earth) for my freedom!

This is what I am willing to sacrifice - my life....whatever that may entail. I know that I will fail at times and waiver in my decision, however it is my prayer that I will stay strong in my conviction and I will remember that in all things at all times Christ is all I need!

What are YOU willing to sacrifice?

2 comments:

Misty said...

Hey Ronnie!! I'm catching up on your blog tonight..i've missed a few!! Anyway, watch this...it's about sacrifice!!! Thought of this as I read your blog tonight!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E570dz3j93o

Anonymous said...

WOW! That is so awesome - what a stark reminder of why we are here and our life's purpose as Christians!!! Thanks.