Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. (1 Tim. 6:17-18)

Monday, February 8, 2010

Sacrifices cost something

During a workshop this weekend, I was reminded that sacrifices should cost us something, otherwise it's not really a sacrifice by definition.

But the king [David] replied to Araunah, "No I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them (2 Samuel 24:24).

Wictionary defines the word sacrifice in this way: to give away something valuable to get at least a possibility to gain something else of value, or to avoid an even greater loss.

Accomplishing God's plan for your life will contain many sacrifices, such as:
  • Giving your talents and abilities to your church costs you time and energy.
  • Tithing to your church costs you financially.
  • Getting out of debt costs you time, energy, and patience.
  • Building a family that pleases God costs time, energy, and finances.
  • Investing in the advancement of others costs time, energy, and finances.
Even though we may be making a number of different sacrifices in order to accomplish His will, we can expect rewards as a result of these regular sacrifices such as:
  • Joy and satisfaction from using our gifts for God's glory.
  • Joy and satisfaction from investing monetarily into God's Kingdom.
  • Freedom from debt.
  • A family that loves the Lord and one another.
  • Strong friendships and relationships that will last a lifetime.
What sacrifices have you made that cost you much at the front end, but have reaped many rewards at the end?




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