Day 3 - The "S" Word

“Jesus looked at the faces of his disciples and said, “How hard it is for the wealthy to enter into God’s kingdom realm.” The disciples were startled when they heard this. But Jesus again said to them, “Children, it is next to impossible for those who trust in their riches to find their way into God’s kingdom realm. It is easier to stuff a rope through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter into God’s kingdom realm.” But this left them all the more astonished, and they whispered to one another, “Then who could ever be saved?” Jesus looked at them and replied, “With people it is impossible, but not with God—God makes all things possible!” Then Peter spoke up and said, “Can’t you see that we’ve left everything we had to cling to you?” “Listen to my words,” Jesus said. “Anyone who leaves his home behind and chooses me over children, parents, family, and possessions, all for the sake of the gospel, it will come back to him a hundred times as much in this lifetime—homes, family, mothers, brothers, sisters, children, possessions—along with persecutions. And in the age to come, he will inherit eternal life. But many who are considered to be the most important now will be the least important then. And many who are viewed as the least important now will be considered the most important then.”” (Mark 10:23–31, TPT)

Sacrifice has become a bad word. A dirty word. A forbidden word. Because somewhere along the way our westernized, Christian minds lost the true meaning of it. We have been trained that because God is good, He will surely do everything (or almost everything) for us. We can speak it, proclaim it, declare it and pray it and  rest assured that a miracle will just happen without us doing anything. (Which is not true) Scriptures that explain sacrifice are avoided because we live in a one-step, pill laden society that is willing to pay big bucks for the newest, greatest shortcut. But the truth remains the same that there is always sacrifice in discipleship. Jesus said it. And lived it.

So, if we want to follow Jesus then we will have to sacrifice. And it is a good thing because it forces us to evaluate our priorities and make sure that there is nothing in our lives that  is more valuable than our relationship with Jesus.

Here's is the question of the day - Is there anything that is more valuable to you than your relationship with Jesus?

Be honest. And if there is, ask the Holy Spirit what you need to "sacrifice" in order to get things back in order.

Here's a warning...you will feel sacrifice. And we should feel it because it is working discipleship in our lives.

Remember that Jesus sacrificed everything for us and since He is our Lord, it is reasonable and right for Him to require us to sacrifice for Him, His church and others. Sacrifice works discipleship in our life. When God asks you to give up something  or to do something that you do not want to do...it will be good for you.

Say it: Because Jesus laid down His life for me, I choose to lay down my life for Him, daily. I will do whatever He requires of me.

Pray it: "Heavenly Father, Thank you for giving your Only Son for me. Thank you that Jesus gave His life so that I can have an eternal relationship with You. Remind me that sacrifice is part of your plan for me. Show me if there is anything that has become more valuable in my life than my relationship with Jesus."