Have you ever had to say yes to something when all you actually wanted to do is say no? Now I’m not talking about being forced to do something against your will….what I am talking about is doing the right thing when you actually don’t want to.
Now why do we have to? Why can’t we just live our lives the way we want to, stay in our comfort zone, and look out for number one?
Well, I guess, technically, you can. No one can make you do anything. Then again, nothing worthwhile having ever comes easy. Sometimes you have to take the crazy leap of faith to do what you know in your heart, is what God is leading you to do.
I just love this verse found in Matthew 16:24-26:
Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?
Self-help is a word we hear often – but self-sacrifice? That’s a new one to many of us! You see this world tells us to look out for ourselves, to stand up for ourselves, to think about ourselves. In the right context, there’s nothing wrong with that. But what Jesus is saying here is that the only way to find yourself, is to lose yourself. The only way to gain everything is to get rid of everything. Everything that holds you back; anything that keeps you bound.
So what does self-sacrifice look like? Why is it important to say yes, even when we want to say no?
- Put God first: A wise pastor said, “You’ll never come second by putting God first.” It’s so true. To the world it seems like the opposite is true, but when it comes to the way things work in God’s Kingdom, if you put God first, He’ll put you first. If you honour God in your relationships, in your finances and in your thoughts and attitudes, He will make sure that you are well taken care of.
- Do it afraid: Even if you feel like what God is asking you to do seems super scary or super crazy, do it anyway, even if you’re afraid. I don’t know what that looks like for you – it’ll look different for all of us – but take a leap of faith and see what miracles God has waiting for you.
Self-sacrifice is not a popular word in our culture, but why not take this challenge: For one week, look for ways and instances where you can sacrifice your needs and wants and put someone else’s needs above your own. Tell me if you don’t feel so much better about yourself and about life.
Do the right thing, even if it costs you.
The only way to find your life, is to lose it. To find out more about what this looks like, click on the pop up banner or link below. I dare you!