Sacrifice

I can’t claim to be a model Christian. I’m not even sure I can claim to be an average Christian. But I do claim to be a Christian. I more than claim. I claim, I know, I rejoice that I am a Christian. God is so much more than I could ever want or need. Trying to wrap my head around the sacrifice that Christ has made on my behalf usually ends up giving me a headache, but also a sincere gratitude for Him. That said, I have a question for you, and for me as well.

What are you willing to sacrifice to have Christ?

I’m not just talking about extreme cases such as those who have given their lives for Christ like Jim Elliott, although that is definitely something to consider. I’m thinking more of the everyday things that I put up in front of God. Things like: my reputation, my education, my time, and my friends. Could I sacrifice those things for Christ? All of these represent things that I gather around me to make me comfortable and happy. Not that any of them are bad. They just take the place of something more important, and possibly take up too much of my life.

Imagine a large balance. A close relationship with Christ occupies one side. Your reputation, your time, and your friends sit on the other. Which side weighs more in your life?

Without all of those things, I should still be content in Christ. What is anything in light of eternity and Christ’s sacrifice? But again and again, I choose to put other things before Christ and load up my side of the balance. His side remains sadly untouched. I put more into keeping my side up to date and lookin’ good, than I do into my relationship with Christ. It’s time to have some stuff step down and start putting more on the line for Christ.