Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. (Jon. 3:8)
MY PARENTS SACRIFICED daily for my siblings and me. We were not an affluent family by any means. Yet, as kids we never saw just how difficult things were financially in our household. My birthday and Christmas presents were always exactly what I wanted. If I needed money to go somewhere with friends or attend an event, my parents provided. I had no idea money was a concern. And my parents never mentioned it or demanded attention and thanks for the sacrifice. However, I now know behind the scenes my parents were willingly sacrificing for my benefit. I feel confident they would both agree it was sacrifice they would willingly do again as an act of love.
Although immeasurably greater than my parents’ sacrifice, we call Jesus’ death on the cross a sacrifice for our sins—one he willingly endured for each of us. And likewise, his death was an act of love. He loved us so much that no sacrifice was too great to endure.
Yet, I do not always act for him with the same level of willingness and love. The truth is I am not always excited to sacrifice, and holiness is not always easy, but it is attainable. With a selfless attitude and love that honors his sacrifice, we can live a holy life that glorifies him alone.
Look for opportunities to run toward the image of Christ and holiness.
Tara Klein, a lover of words, shares her imperfect, unconventional Christian journey as a female, mother, and wife to invite others into God’s unconditional love.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
