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Above all else, God wants our
heart and soul.
Eternal Perspectives by
Sally Bair
Sacrifice
Most parents think nothing of
giving up their comforts or pleasures for the sake of their children, because they
love them. Love seems to always bring out the best in us.
Wise King Solomon was asked
to settle an ownership issue between two new mothers. One of their baby’s had
died and both mothers claimed the living child was hers. When Solomon demanded
the living child be cut in half so each mother could have a part, the real
mother begged the king to give the baby to the other mother in order to save
its life. She was willing to give up her own child, thus proving her blood
relationship.
Such an act of sacrifice can
be seen in the lives of people everywhere. We think of first responders and
servicemen and women, who not only are willing to risk their own lives for the
sake of others, but also their marriages, home life and opportunity to earn a
better living.
Are we willing to sacrifice
our money, time, talents or lives for the sake of others? Whether we give
through volunteering, by attending regular worship service or babysitting our
own children, our sacrifice becomes effective only if done with love and godly
obedience.
When King Saul disobeyed God,
the prophet Samuel told him, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings
and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better
than sacrifice and to heed [is better] than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)
Samuel emphasized that sincerity and obedience must be Saul’s reason to make
any required sacrifices.
God takes pleasure when we
serve Him with hearts of love and obedience Him. God would have our actions
accompanied by a heart given over to Him.
The apostle Paul expands on
this truth. “I beseech you … to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable to God …” (Romans 12:1) True sacrifice means setting ourselves apart
from the things of the world for God’s use. Our love for Him will become a
willing and joy-filled sacrifice for His sake. Just as it did for Jesus, when
He sacrificed Himself on the cross, in obedience to His Father and out of love
for each of us.
Lord, thank You for Your ultimate sacrifice. Strengthen
and empower us to love and serve You in obedience to Your Word—even when
letting go of our own desires seems painful.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
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