Sacrificial Living

When was the last time you offered a gift to someone......that required a high level of sacrifice?

Did I get you? You see, the first part of the question is fairly easy to answer. We have all probably offered someone a gift. The more difficult part of the question is found in the word 'sacrifice'.

How much hard work and sweat equity is expended in order that another person gains a treasure from us? (maybe the word 'sacrifice' in offering another person a gift has been the reason gift cards have become so popular) We all appreciate a hand written letter or card and I suppose e-cards are okay, if you're really busy, but they're just not the same.

Today, our family was gifted a beautiful keepsake from a dear friend. As you look at the gift you'll recognize the intricacy in design. You'll see it isn't a mass produced item but one that have been carefully and lovingly offered freely.

(Thanks Judy Headings! This is absolutely beautiful!)

Consider Jesus Christ as the gift that has been carefully and lovingly offered to us. he came in a vile setting in a feed trough. His life, death, and resurrection has enabled us to enjoy a gift of sacrificial love that continues to give.

A gift that costs little, while still a gift, does not carry the same value as the gift that cost someone their all. Make a decision to live more sacrificially this coming year. Consider how far you'll set your own desires aside so that another person receives the ultimate blessing from you.

"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows,yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions,he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray,each of us has turned to his own way;and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:4-6, NIV)

Jesus Christ, who did not consider status and power as things to be grasped but set them aside to save the world from sin, is our model. We are to imitate God in Christ (Ephesians 5:1-2). How are you doing with that?