I’m Stuck

May 25, 2006 in Influence with 2 Comments


O.K. I admit it I am stuck right now on this concept of sacrifice. I am amazed that know one can think of a sacrifice they are willing to make if necessary. This is really a tough subject, I know. We are a culture and a people who are not accustomed to sacrificing. We are used to getting whatever we want or desire whenever we want it. Not only that, we get it fast because of our instant society and finance it mentality.

As I think about this whole concept of sacrifice I am wondering if there comes a point in sacrificing when it no longer feels like a sacrifice? Do you ever get used to self denial for the sake of the kingdom? I’m thinking that maybe sacrifice is a bigger issue for the person who is observing the one who is doing the sacrificing. There has to be a point somewhere along the way when it just feels and seems like the next logical step in the journey with the Father. The person who is watching does not have the privilege of hearing the internal conversation and the private talk of family as it relates to the subject being sacrificed.

Alright, I know it is heavy but I needed to throw it out there to process what He has been doing in my heart and life. Can anyone identify or relate?

  • Tommy Redding

    Kyle,I think you brought up a good point about sacrifice. I have wondered myself if there comes a point when you do make a sacrifice but it does not feel like one because you have become so close to God in a relationship with Him. A person that comes to mind is the missionary, Jim Elliot. In his book, Through Gates of Splendor, the last few paragraphs talk about his and other fellow missionaries possibly sacrificing their lives. The book shows how one man struggles with the idea but another is immediately willing to give his life in the event God calls him to do so. I would be hesitant in calling the first man a weak Christian, but it is evident that the one willing to give his life then is obviously closer to God. His sacrifice does not seem as great a sacrifice to himself whereas the other missionary views possibly sacrificing his own life as huge. Right now, I would think I would want to sacrificially be in between their thoughts. They both however recognize the possible implicataion of their future actions. Maybe this goes back to the 1 John 4:18 saying, “perfect love casts out fear.” Perhaps we should all desire to sacrifice without hesitation, yet not become ignorant of what we are doing. Each man’s action was a glorifying act to God, Who was the main Observer. Their actions may have also spurred on one another’s faith to go forward and eventually give their lives for the kingdom of God. I want my life to be at that point where sacrifice practically becomes second-bature to me. There is nothing wrong with thinking about sacrifice long and hard, but I want to be so close to Him that I do not hesitate for a second to sacrifice in whatever way He calls me to do so.

  • Tommy Redding

    Kyle,

    I think you brought up a good point about sacrifice. I have wondered myself if there comes a point when you do make a sacrifice but it does not feel like one because you have become so close to God in a relationship with Him. A person that comes to mind is the missionary, Jim Elliot. In his book, Through Gates of Splendor, the last few paragraphs talk about his and other fellow missionaries possibly sacrificing their lives. The book shows how one man struggles with the idea but another is immediately willing to give his life in the event God calls him to do so. I would be hesitant in calling the first man a weak Christian, but it is evident that the one willing to give his life then is obviously closer to God. His sacrifice does not seem as great a sacrifice to himself whereas the other missionary views possibly sacrificing his own life as huge. Right now, I would think I would want to sacrificially be in between their thoughts. They both however recognize the possible implicataion of their future actions. Maybe this goes back to the 1 John 4:18 saying, “perfect love casts out fear.” Perhaps we should all desire to sacrifice without hesitation, yet not become ignorant of what we are doing. Each man’s action was a glorifying act to God, Who was the main Observer. Their actions may have also spurred on one another’s faith to go forward and eventually give their lives for the kingdom of God. I want my life to be at that point where sacrifice practically becomes second-bature to me. There is nothing wrong with thinking about sacrifice long and hard, but I want to be so close to Him that I do not hesitate for a second to sacrifice in whatever way He calls me to do so.