Sacrifice is Service!

"I am the Good Shepherd; the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep" (Jn 10:11)

Service and sacrifice were synonymous to Jesus. He could not think of one without the other. Dare we? Christian ministry is not a forced labour but a friendly service which involves and includes sacrifice. Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (Jn 15:13). Ministry that costs nothing accomplishes nothing. There are atleast three things we must sacrifice if we are to do a service that pleases God and blesses people.

First, prestige. "Being in the form of God, He did not consider it a robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant" (Phil 2:6,7). We cannot serve people until and unless we come down from our so-called prestige and position to identify and intermingle with them. The sinless Saviour became the Friend of Sinners. Every Christian must earn this nickname. Preaching from a pulpit is not superior to distributing tracts in street corners. Writing books is not higher than colportage evangelism. Being a Mission executive is not nobler than working as a missionary among jungle-dwellers. Any form of Christian service is worthy of highest honour. We must be ashamed only to commit sin.

Second, pleasure. Jesus that day was so tired and hungry. But He was winning souls. His hunger was more for folks than for food. He told His disciples, "I have food to eat of which you do not know... My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work" (Jn 4:32-34). Prophet Amos pronounces woe on the lazy Zionists. "They lie on the beds of ivory, stretch out on their couches, eat lambs from the flock and calves from the stall, chant to the sound of stringed instruments, invent for themselves musical instruments like David, drink wine from bowls and anoint themselves with the best ointments, but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph!" (Am 6:4-6). Joseph typifies those in bondage and slavery. Constrained by the love of God for these people we should come out of our seats of luxury and chambers of pleasure to save them.

Third, our possessions. Jesus was rich but He became poor to make us rich. So also we must open up our purses and give away our money liberally so the poor may have the Gospel. Jesus profusely appreciated the widow's mites and Mary's perfume. Because, both meant sacrifice. We must give until it affects us. Andrew Murray (1828-1917) said, "We ask how much a man gives; Christ asks how much he keeps!"

Courtesy : http://www.stanleyonbible.com/dd/07/0713.htm