A Life of Sacrifice

Are you sold out to Jesus or are you still straddling the fence between serving God and following the world? The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, "Even if I am poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you" (2:17). Paul made a life-changing decision to serve the Lord illustrated by his reference to being
"poured out." Once you pour liquid onto the ground it is immediately absorbed and unable to be retrieved. Thus, Paul recognized that his decision to serve the Lord involved a similar level of commitment and that there was no turning
back-God called Paul to serve Him wholeheartedly and he vowed to do so no matter what the cost. He later wrote, ". . . I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ" (Phil. 3:8)

Jesus demonstrated his willingness to yield to this life of sacrifice throughout his entire existence. Ephesians 5:2 states, "Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." While He was on earth Jesus was always about His "Father's business." He never veered from His mission because He was constantly focused on loving God and
ministering to His people. Mark 10:45 records that Jesus "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Christ was completely submitted to His Father and to His will, even though it meant enduring physical pain, facing rejection, bearing the sins of all humanity, and succumbing to a tortuous death. Though Jesus knew the high cost of living a life of
sacrificial love, He also knew the eternal rewards for being obedient. He now sits at the right hand of the throne of God-the risen and victorious Savior of the world.

Galatians 2:20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who
loved me and gave Himself up for me." God is calling you to a life of sacrifice and a willingness to go wherever He takes you, to minister to whomever He brings you, and to go whenever He asks you. Just remember, life is an adventure
and if you allow the Lord to pilot your life it will be an unforgettable journey beyond your imagination. He is ready . . . are you?

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