What sacrifices have you made in life?
Merriam-Webster.com defines sacrifice as destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else or something given up or lost. As a parent, there were multiple times I surrendered personal wants for my children. The same can be said as a husband or in my role as teacher, co-worker, boss and friend. So too, have others – parents, spouse, family, and friend – done the same for me.
My initial response to the question was a simple “not enough.” I know this is true of me and it is probably true of many others. I think we tend to exaggerate our sacrifices for others while too often take for granted the sacrifices others make for our benefit. We are even on our best days very human and very self-preservationists.
Thinking of an answer, I am reminded of lessons I learned early on in life.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
John 15:13 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.15.13.NIV
Too often, I take for granted the military and first responders who have given their lives for not only friends, but people they do not or will not ever know.
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”
Philippians 2:6-8 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/php.2.6-8.NIV
I know I treat too lightly the kind of love that a Creator has for his creation. More and more I am learning to appreciate that sacrifice and what it means. I realize I still fall short because true worship of the Creator is showing gratitude by emulating this behavior.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:1-2 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.12.1-2.NIV
What sacrifices I have made so far, I pray cannot compare with the sacrifices I am yet to make.
Categories: Sample writing
Douglas Knight
I have the rich life full of a sinner wounded by misunderstanding and punishment but blessed by mercy and forgiveness.
Knight Writer 