Getting and Giving

 "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." - John 15:13

Any idea about what that looks like in daily living? Laying your life down for the benefit of others with no expectation of receiving any personal benefit or expressed appreciation by those helped from your sacrifice? Well that is what a sacrifice that Jesus was referring to is, isn't it. Denying yourself for someone else's benefit with no benefit for you. As a spiritual act, rejecting personal glory and giving all the glory to God.  

"I [Paul] beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." - Romans 12:1-2

What does that look like? Say you have two weeks' vacation - you work hard for your money - you need - no you deserve some "me time". Then you are told about an opportunity to help people who are down and out - struggling because of some reason.  Your church is going to take two weeks to go and "be Jesus" to them.  All you have to do is give up your only time off. Scratch the vacation in Florida - taking the kids to Disney World - visiting family that you haven't seen for years. 

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me'" - Matthew 16:24

You want to be like Jesus? Or do you just want to be around Jesus?  There is a difference.  Self-denial is part and parcel to living the Christian life. 

"Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.  But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face" - Matthew 6:16-17

Fasting is denying yourself of food -  Jesus has called us to deny ourselves in many other ways for the good of others and the Glory of God. But be careful that you are not like the hypocrites.  Don't seek the praise of men for the things that you do out of obedience to God. Many people will want to praise you and not God for the things you do.  Something I tell people is that "the only thing I can take credit for is saying 'yes" to God - He has prepared me - empowered me - and resourced me to do what He has called me to do.  Listen - it can sound like false humility - and it can be - be careful that the praise of men does not become the reason why you do what you do in the name of Jesus. The pride of life is just around the corner - waiting to steal your joy. 

"So now, brethren, I [Paul] commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” - Acts 20:32-35

Oh and I might add that the fact that your sacrifice is not appreciated by others - matters not - you did it out of obedience to God and His glory - and if you didn't - repent.

Get it? Got it? Good!

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone