Faithfulness In Four Easy Steps-4

Step 4 - Sacrifice - Sacrifice is such a bummer for a lukewarm follower of Jesus. I mean, Jesus is just saying "commit" and that is it. I see people every day who will not commit to anything!! Their inability to give it all to Jesus shows there is something wrong in their faith walk. It's like the guy who is always critiquing people who are not working, and then when it comes time to work, stands on the sidelines and talks. He is JUST talk. Jesus dealt with a lot of people who were all talk, and they would not give up what they wanted to do what Jesus wanted because they were still in control. Here is how Jesus dealt with these people in Matthew 10:38 If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine.

The life of a disciple is a life of sacrifice and whatever that cross is for you will need to be taken up and sacrifice what you want to do what Jesus commands. Jesus offers this life of faithfulness to you, but you can refuse. I've got to ask, how is that working out for you? When you receive the Holy Spirit, your attitude in your commitment changes from one of giving God your leftovers to a sold-out, growing walk with Jesus. Walk in His direction, and He will show you the cross you are bearing. If you don't ask, you will never know.

We follow the narrow path, and that path is full of restrictions on what we want, but the end result is fantastic. That path opens up to a much wider path with multiple options that are way better than what could have been contrived on our own, but sacrifice is the lynch pin that sets it all in motion. If you are not willing to sacrifice time, talent, comfort, and yes, money to His way, you will always be left "wanting." DON'T BE LEFT WANTING!!

The following story illustrates the witness of sacrifice and how it affects others around. you. It is said that Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, once had captured a prince and his family. When they came before him, the monarch asked the prisoner, "What will you give me if I release you?" "The half of my wealth," was his reply. "And if I release your children?" "Everything I possess." "And if I release your wife?" "Your Majesty, I will give myself." Cyrus was so moved by his devotion that he freed them all. As they returned home, the prince said to his wife, "Wasn't Cyrus a handsome man!" With a look of deep love for her husband, she said to him, "I didn't notice. I could only keep my eyes on you- -the one who was willing to give himself for me."

As we celebrate Easter today I can't help but put my eyes on Jesus the one who gave it all for me. He is worthy of my sacrifice and I glorify Him above all others.

Today's Message,

David Warrem