January 30, 2013
Sacrifice: The Gift of Giving Your All
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
Francois Nelon writes: "Whatever spiritual knowledge or feelings we may have, they are all a delusion if they do not lead us to the real and constant practice of dying to self. And it is true that we do not die without suffering. Nor is it possible to be considered truly dead while there is any part of us which is yet alive."
This spiritual death (which is really a blessing in disguise) is undeniably painful. It cuts swift and deep into our innermost thoughts and desires, exposing us for who we really are. The Great Physician, who sees in us what we cannot see, knows exactly where to place the knife. He cuts away that which we are most reluctant to give up. How it hurts!
God wants His children to live abundantly, but this is only possible when we are open to His refining, sometimes painful, work in our lives.
Abraham was not the only one of God's saints who had to make a choice concerning self-sacrifice. David, the prophets, the disciples and the apostles all came to a point where they willingly laid down their lives—their personal desires, goals, and dreams—for the love of God.
Remember, Jesus obediently sacrificed His life for you. He did not avoid the pain and suffering of the Cross. Instead, He focused on the joy ahead for Him at the right hand of the Father. Consider Jesus' example as you are being fit for His purposes.
Prayer: Lord, You, and You alone, are my first love. Please sustain me as you fit me for your purposes. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual act of worship" (Romans 12:1).
