The kind of sacrifices discussed in the Bible aren’t just one-time, end-of-the-year-giving kind of deals. While a life of sacrifice may include a bigger act, a true life of sacrifice is ongoing submission to God. In Luke 9:23-24, Jesus makes it clear the kind of sacrifice it takes to follow him: “‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.’” These words of Jesus are recorded in three of the four Gospels, so we would do well to tune in.
The key word in this passage is “daily.” Following Jesus is a daily denial of ourselves. It is taking up our cross to crucify our old, selfish ways, and following the humble, sacrificial way of Jesus. It is the daily act of surrendering your will to the will of God and resolving to sacrifice whatever the Lord asks of you.
This kind of life does not happen all of the sudden and it cannot be achieved by stubborn resolve. Ongoing submission to God is birthed from small, daily decisions to sacrifice. God isn’t asking us to plan ahead how we will sacrifice and follow his will for the rest of our lives, he is asking for our submission in this moment. The Holy Spirit is available and speaking, guiding, and directing as the Helper in our lives, and it is our job to take each step he is asking us to take. We don’t need to be fearful or intimidated because we know that God will equip us with exactly what we need to accomplish his purpose with each small step. With each small decision over time, we will find ourselves walking in step with the Spirit, living in daily submission to God, and willingly sacrificing whatever it takes. This is how we were created to live.
DISCUSSION/REFLECTION QUESTIONS: How might you implement a daily habit that allows you to hear from God so that you may begin a life of ongoing submission?
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