Sacrifice

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For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?
Luke 14:28 ESV

The words of Jesus above remind us that choosing to dedicate ourselves to the work God calls us to will involve sacrifices along the way. I have experienced this personally, and seen it in the lives of those around me.

It may be sacrifices of finance because we volunteer or take a pay cut to support a non-profit, or business growth when we turn down a deal that goes against our standards, or time when we work instead of pursuing hobbies in the evening, or career when we are looked over or even fired for our beliefs and choices.

I was reminded of this last week when working on a volunteer project in the evening. I got to thinking, because of taking this on I have to sacrifice other things that I enjoy. That shouldn’t have surprised me, but it did.

Thinking through this further, I realized there are three things I do (or should try to do) that help prepare and motive me through the challenges.

1. Expect it. It shouldn’t surprise us that doing the work God calls us to will require personal sacrifice. By being prepared we are less likely to be caught off guard.
2. Remember the ‘why’. If we get caught up in the details of a project, it can be frustrating – but if we remember that we are doing our work to glorify God, and make an impact here, it will keep us going.
3. Stay connected. Your community is there for a purpose. Stay connected with other believers and encourage each other as go through the ups and downs of work and life.

As you examine the work you have ahead, take some time to pray that God will give you a heart of service and that you will see the sacrifices in light of eternity, not as missing on things here on earth.

~ Sean