The dictionary defines a sacrifice as: “the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim.” A secondary definition also defines sacrifice as “an act of offering to a deity something precious.”
In simple terms, a sacrifice is something you desire that you choose to give up for a greater purpose or to a greater Person. And in reality, that’s what makes sacrificing so difficult! Because what is being given up is something valued, cherished, loved, and desirable.
Yet because we are supposed to model our lives after Jesus’ life, we are called to sacrifice on a daily basis. But we find that God invites us to sacrifice our wants, desires, and plans in order to experience something richer, more purposeful, and more in line with His desires for us.
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” – Romans 12:1
Once Jesus came to this earth and died for our sins, the old method of sacrifice and atonement was put to rest, and a “new order” was established. This “new order” is God’s appeal to offer our entire lives as living sacrifices.
Now, He’s invites us to live our lives as a worthy sacrifices—living sacrifices, not dead ones!
Though that can sound confusing, obscure, or even intimidating, the fact of the matter is that it’s actually freeing… It’s freeing because this new method isn’t about the blood of animals, but about the hearts of people.
It’s about motive, purpose, and commitment which means any, and every, area of our lives can be lived in such a way that honors and glorifies God.
Thankfully, God even gives us His Word to glean from. He sent others to pave the way and provide a roadmap that is both obedient and honoring to God.
It’s not easy, but God will give us the strength to surrender, sacrifice, and put His love on display.