Sacrifice is Essential to Creating Meaningful Growth
I recently came across this simple definition of sacrifice. It said, “Giving up something valuable, for something else of more value.” It seems like a simple idea, but most of us would rather not sacrifice because it is difficult. The idea of “giving up something valuable” is quite counter cultural and is felt in a deeply personal way. There are very few stories (if any) of greatness or success that are not first preceded by a level of sacrifice.
The avoidance of sacrifice is understandable because of the pain and personal cost involved, however so many times it becomes the catalyst to something greater. Jesus is the best example of this that the world has ever known, yet he still asked the question of God:
“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Matthew 26:39 NIV
Jesus aligned His will to God’s will and through the greatest sacrifice of all, He won salvation for all mankind.
This idea that sacrifice prepares the way for greatness can be found in your workplace, your marriage and your friendships. The opposite of spirit is selfishness which is a limiter and often causes problems in relationships. I often try to consider areas of my life where I may have become selfish. It is the perfect place to start if I am looking for an opportunity to sacrifice and bring God into the situation in a new way.
Have you ever thought about what you can sacrifice to reach a new breakthrough or help another person succeed? What in your life could you sacrifice to build God’s kingdom, better your marriage, or better your co-workers?
"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. "
John 12:24 NLT