Sacrifically Whining

Paul writes in Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.” NIV

We do not like the word, “sacrifice.” This has a very deadly, bloody picture attached to it. It is not pretty nor easy. We are set to ask ourselves, “What have I really sacrificed for Jesus?” I could list time, money and life, what I have truly given to Him? Just stopping and thinking about this makes us either uneasy or proud, depending on what we think as we see our sacrifices.

Cyril of Alexander writes: “Never forget that what gives value to a sacrifice is not the renouncement it demands, but the degree of love which inspires the renouncement.” Putting all of this together made me ask myself, “Have I given up to God what I have out of love for him or out of simple obedience?” I realize that if I sacrifice out of love then I would do it willingly without complaining. If I sacrifice out of obedience only, then I might whine, complain and be tempted to give grudgingly.

Jesus demonstrated his deep love for us in his passionately giving of his life on the Cross. Brennan Manning writes: “The root of ‘passion’ is the Latin ‘passere, to ‘suffer.’ The passion of Jesus…is the voluntary laying oneself open to another and allowing oneself to be intimately affected by him, that is to say the suffering of passionate love.” (Abba’s Child; page 165)

The real value of our sacrifice for Jesus comes as we take our eyes off of us. I must stop focusing on my feelings and my desires and my life. I fix my eyes on Jesus.

When I look upon Jesus I see the holes in his hands and side. They remind me of His agony, His suffering and His sacrifice. When I look at Jesus I see the crown of thorns on his head. He was mocked and ridiculed. Why should I fear what others might think or say? When I look at Jesus I look into his eyes – joy and pain – peace and problems – love and judgment – His eyes pierce me to the heart. All is laid bare in His gaze. I can give as he gave, sacrificially because I stand amazed in his presence, focus on his love and live the life that models his.