“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” (Romans 5:6-11)
How many of us are doing everything we want to do without a single sacrifice? Although we desire to live by accomplishing everything we desire to do, sacrifice(s) has to be made, unfortunately. If sacrifice(s) has to be made, we have to choose which is for the greater purpose. For example, I used to have a health issue when I was staying over at Waiheke to attend Waiheke Island Baptist Church. Although I do not know about it now, I had to choose between staying over there continually, regardless of it, and waking up around 4:30 am on Sundays to attend there. I chose the latter, even though I thought about leaving there at some stage. The reason that I chose to wake up around 4:30 am for the church has been based on how much I love the church community and God. I want to serve there continually by taking care of the sound desk for His kingdom glory.
It is natural to sacrifice our lives for those we love dearly. However, Jesus Christ sacrificed His life on the cross for all humans, including future generations, even though all of them did not follow Him faithfully. Although He prayed to God, His Father, that His sacrificial action would be taken away from Him to the point where his sweat was like drops of blood, Jesus faithfully obeyed His Father. He knew He would be with His father in heaven again (Hebrews 12:2). While Jesus was on earth, He only focused on His primary purpose of being on earth, which is to do the will of His father (John 4:31-34). God’s will for Him was teaching and discipling people to know that there is the heavenly Father, who loves them unconditionally (c.f. Psalm 136:1-26), and to join God’s Kingdom, which mainly includes following His way (c.f. Isaiah 55:8-9.'
Although we may not sacrifice our lives drastically for others’ well-being like what Jesus did, unless saving someone from a car accident, we need to have an interest in others first before our own and sacrifice in small things, such as donating items or money, time, energy, etc (Philippians 2:1-4). For example, if I want to spend time with a person/people I love, even if it is quite far away, I go anywhere to meet them. Another example is that my love language is in giving, so I like to treat others to food, purchasing for others with my money and give my items I do not really want/need anymore for free. Jesus commanded His followers to take up their crosses by sacrificing their lives and following Him, so they would have secure lives spiritually (Mark 8:34-38). Nevertheless, self-care is also essential, especially to those who sacrifice their lives to serve others for the greater good. Otherwise, we would not have any energy to serve others. Jesus also has stated that the burden of following and obeying Him is light, as these come out of believers’ disciple-relationship with Jesus and He is gentle and humble in heart (Matthew 11:28-30).
Meditate on Philippians 2:1-4 and Matthew 11:28-30, and ask yourself this question: “Am I balancing the need to sacrifice for others and the need to care for myself?"
