Willing to Make Sacrifices for Others: Real Life

Real life is full of opportunities for sacrifice. Because of the sinful nature of human beings, we operate on with a “me first” mentality. When we make a sacrifice for a loved one, or anyone really, we are putting that person before ourselves, before any selfish or prideful desires. These sacrifices can be small – think about letting someone merge before you next time you are in traffic (with a smile on your face). Or, they can be more significant – would you consider giving a full tithe of your income to support your church (biblically, a tithe is 10% of your earnings – before taxes now, we are talking first fruits here)?

Sacrifices can also be less tangible, such as the sacrifice of time. You could choose to stay home, warm and comfortable and watch a football game. Or, you can volunteer to ring a bell by a red bucket for  a Sunday afternoon in the cold with the Salvation Army, collecting donations for the poor of your community.

I know that traditionally Lent is the season for sacrifices, but as we approach the last days of Advent, consider what you might sacrifice or give up to better prepare your heart for the coming of Christ. After all, at Christmas Jesus isn’t just born in the stable. If we let Him, He would be born in our hearts.

What is one sacrifice you could make that will help you better prepare for the coming of Christ in just a few days?