top of page

The Efficacy of Sacrifice

Admin
May 18, 2024

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.

Hebrews 13:15 

Real sacrifice can result in significant change, as seen in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. When we hear the word sacrifice, our minds tend to think of the sacrifice and suffering that Jesus went through on the cross, or we think of Abraham, sacrificing his only son. We see it as someone having to give up something of value or importance to them away. And that's right, sacrifice is never an easy thing to do. Yet as Christians we are called to live a life of sacrifice. 


Every day we must give up anything and everything that stands in the way of complete obedience to God and live for Christ. As Royal Priests we can change our environment when we live sacrificially – this is what our Heavenly Father considers as true worship. Today we will explore ways that our sacrifice becomes our worship. 


Sacrificial living is serving tirelessly, not to be acknowledged or appreciated, but to bring glory to God. In Matthew 16:25, Jesus says in losing your life you are saving it. You must get to the point where you are willing to let go of your own comfort for the sake of God’s Kingdom (Matthew 16:24). It does not need to be something very dramatic but could be small consistent choices that you make. Choices to forego pleasures that are not aligned with God’s will. Or the choice to use your time and talents to support the Church community as well as those around, knowing you are doing this for God and not for man (Colossians 3:23).  


Sacrificial living is also giving generously. It is not just about paying your tithes or giving an offering every week. It is giving something dear and valuable. This helps us realize that our joy is not in what we possess. The widow with her two coins did not have much, but she gave what she had wholeheartedly (Mark 12:42). Giving generously could be as simple as choosing to put a little extra in the offering when your budget is tight, or supporting a ministry or Church project even if it will mean missing your daily coffee run. It is getting into alignment with the priorities that are God’s priorities. When we give generously, we find the true joy and happiness that enriches our soul, something the world can never ever give us. 


Sacrificial living is also sharing the gospel of Christ boldly. You cannot hide the good news of God’s love. You can look for beautiful and creative ways that make people stop and take notice and ask about the source of your joy and peace. Preaching the gospel goes beyond just words, but also preaching it with your actions (1 John 3:16-18). It is showing up and showing God’s love right where you are. When we share the gospel, it has the power to change and transform things and situations. You do not have to become a foreign missionary unless God has called you to that, but you have a message that can bring hope to a world living without hope.  

Today choose to live sacrificially, and let the world see Jesus in you! 

 

Song of Worship  

I'm coming back to the heart of worship  

And it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus  

I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it  

When it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus 

Song: Heart of Worship by Matt Redman 


Prayer - May our lives echo the sacrifice of Christ, and may we find our greatest joy and satisfaction in Him. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. Let this be our heart's cry and our life's mission. So it is, and shall be in Jesus' name. Amen 

 

 

Bible in 1 year: 1 Chronicles 8-10

 

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page