Sunday Sacrifice

I didn't think I would ever enjoy reading about history. It was a mental block from not enjoying history classes in school because I couldn't relate to any of those long-dead people. They seemed so far removed from anything I was experiencing, and I wasn't able to get past that.

That's changed over the past few years as I've dug into biographies of influential people throughout history. I'm in my Revolutionary War phase right now, surrounding myself with books about generals and the Founding Women, and patriots who just wanted to see a better life for their families. Add in some books recently about Amelia Earhart, Corrie ten Boom, Western Expansion, and the Pinkerton Agency, and suddenly I'm immersed in fascinating people.

And it's amazing that all my recent studies brought me to one conclusion: those who were willing to make a difference in the lives of other people were the ones ready to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Sacrifice conjures up pictures of Abraham and Isaac at the altar, Paul leaving behind everything to share the gospel, everyday citizens risking their lives to hide Jews, someone giving every last drop of themselves to lift someone else up. In order to pick up and carry on, something else has to be laid down. But only for the right reasons.

Jesus Christ made the ultimate sacrifice for our eternal salvation when He went to the cross in our place. He began by leaving the perfect world of heaven, sacrificing all that came with His royalty to walk among us. Then He sacrificed His constant connection to the Father when He took our sins upon Him. But He repeatedly said that sacrifice was worth it because our eternal lives were involved.

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Ephesians 5:2

Jesus' right reason for His sacrifices was to be a sweetsmelling savor to God. Everything He ever did was simply to fulfill the will of God and please Him. 

It's that simple.

When we sacrifice a little bit of comfort to care for someone else, we're a sweetsmelling savor.
When we sacrifice that "me time" to be a companion to someone in need, we're a sweetsmelling savor.
When we sacrifice the spotlight so someone deserving gets the recognition, we're a sweetsmelling savor.
When we sacrifice our usual routine to teach, encourage, make music, give a gift, sit by someone's side, have a conversation, or hold a hand, we're a sweetsmelling savor.

As we go through the coming week, my prayer is that we'll remember the "why" behind our actions. I pray that we'll sacrifice and die to self for the good of those around us, and ultimately for the sweetsmelling savor that will reach our God. Let's give of ourselves for all the right reasons this week.

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