SACRIFICE: the unwanted burden
We say the word "sacrifice" to pertain to many things.
There's a thin line between SACRIFICE and a BARGAIN
a BARGAIN is when you lose something IN EXCHANGE FOR SOMETHING ELSE FOR YOUR BENEFIT (e.g. DIETING, EXERCISING, SAVING MONEY, CHOOSING ONE THING OVER ANOTHER, etc.)
SACRIFICE on the other hand is when you lose something FOR THE BENEFIT OF SOMEONE ELSE. (e.g. When GOD sacrificed his ONE and ONLY SON, JESUS, not for His benefit, but for OURS.Hence, this is called the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.)
For a leader, and for any one, to sacrifice is something that goes against our grain. Why do something for someone else right? Why give up something without expecting in return? Why do something and not benefit from it?
Well, this is exactly what God did. This is exactly what Jesus did on the cross. He SACRIFICED Himself. He absorbed all the sins of the world and put it upon Himself. He could've escaped if He wanted to. He is God in the first place. But He didn't. WHY? Cause from the moment He was born into the world of man until the time He was dangling on the cross, He was thinking of YOU. Of what's BEST for YOU. Of what could BENEFIT YOU.
And if you're wondering why He did it. The answer is simple: HE LOVES YOU.
Now, imagine a world where we SACRIFICE what we have for others. Where we pray for others first. Where we do things without thinking about how the outcome can benefit us. How we can be a blessing to others.
We may not be able to change the world, but if we can change ourselves and show the world, I believe that God's grace and power would do the rest :)
So next time you use the word "SACRIFICE", check. Is it really sacrifice, or did you just get a good deal on something?
/gotten and inspired from Pastor Nixon's preaching today as we end our series in leadership entitled "UNPOPULAR". Blessed Sunday everyone! :)/
