When was the last time you sacrificed something for someone? I don’t mean a macabre religious blood letting. I’m talking about giving something for someone or giving up something for someone or a cause?
I remember the first time I realized an inkling of how much my parents really loved me, cared for me, and sacrificed that I could have all that I needed. While in my first year of college, I saw the reality of how much they did without so I could have all I needed & much of what I wanted. I now see it played out in my wife & me about our own son.
Human beings are funny creatures. If something doesn’t cost much, it’s of little value. Case in point: my son doesn’t like to go to an outlet mall to get clothes because clothes aren’t as expensive, & thus his friends have led him to believe they aren’t quite as cool. I give guitar lessons twice a year. At first I gave the 12 week classes free, until I realized that by not costing anything the students didn’t practice much & saw little value in them. When I charge $25 for the twelve week course & refund it if they finish, they stay the course. Same class, same free price, but the price tag somehow gave it more value.
In the first century, (When Jesus walked the earth & right after) people readily understood sacrifice. Both pagan & Jewish religion recognized the need for a sacrifice. It was common in their culture. They felt that if something was truly worthwhile, it would require some sacrifice.
You know, it’s really true today, as well. It something costs you labor or money you value it more than if it’s ‘handed to you on a silver platter.’ Our Christian life is the same. Salvation may be ‘free’, but it cost Jesus His very life to redeem us, or buy us back from sin. What does He ask in return? A life for a life. No, not a suicidal cause, but rather to freely give & live out our lives for Him. The bible spells it out this way:
“Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 NLT
Just a reminder, while God freely gives & we freely receive, if it really means something then let it show by your life! It’s a daily choice. You know the problem of a ‘living sacrifice’ is that it keeps crawling off the altar! Die to you & live for Him.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Cell: 870-217-9376
Dave’s Desk - http://bcmasunewport.blogspot.com
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