A Lifestyle of Sacrifice
Luke 9:23-24, 57-62; 21:1-4; Romans 12:1-2
Why is God showing you this lesson now?
Today’s economy is being blamed for a lot of things, sometimes justly, sometimes unjustly. The Bible teaches sacrificial giving and living, without making exception for difficult times. When we speak of a “lifestyle” of sacrifice, therefore, we refer to how we make unselfish choices in the midst of both the good and the challenging times.
These verses in Luke, chapter nine, speak of total commitment to Christ. We see three individuals here who were willing to follow Jesus, but on certain conditions. In other words, Jesus was “something” they needed but not “all” they needed. Our Lord calls for – and deserves – total, unconditional sacrifice.
This lesson reminds me of one of my favorite verses in the Bible: 2 Corinthians 5:15, “And He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” In my case, Jesus saved a selfish teenager who was living for himself as though the world revolved around him. The Bible says His death and resurrection has given us a new purpose for living.
How does this lesson connect to what God is doing in and around you?
It is not sacrifice if you are giving out of your abundance. Jesus used the example of a poor widow and her offering (Luke 21:1-4) to teach what it means to give sacrificially. The lesson is clear: God cares more about how much we have left than He does how much we give. Because how much we have left after we give reveals the level of sacrifice.
In a me-first, instant gratification kind of world, Christians are included among those who sometimes neglect the discipline of sacrifice. Many people feel very uncertain about the future – even to the point of fear. I’m so thankful God is still on His throne, aren’t you?
Of course we realize that a lifestyle of sacrifice is not limited to monetary giving. Consideration should also be given to our time, our priorities, and our bodies. This lesson calls for a careful and honest evaluation! Allow that evaluation to become an act of worship!
Rick Astle– Lessons by Rick Astle, director of missions for Waccamaw Baptist Association. Astle is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and Southern Seminary. He is the author of two books and lives in Conway.