The Value of Sacrifice

In our daily lives, we often find ourselves measuring our worth by comparing it to others. This kind of judgment is an abomination in the eyes of God. Our value is not decided by the world standards, but by what someone is willing to give up for us. Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, showed us our true worth. Satan had pawned us to a state of sin, but Jesus went to the ultimate "pawnshop" and redeemed us. There was a price placed on us, and Jesus paid it in full. How can we, then, doubt our value? We are worth the life of the Son of God. Jesus considered us worthy and valuable enough to die for. He did not pay such a high price just to leave us in the enemy's pawnshop of insecurity, depression, bondage, and a vain lifestyle. What is our appraised value? It is measured by the sacrifice made for us, not by our own worth, but by what Jesus was willing to pay. God gave His Son for you! Your value equals the sacrifice made. His love made you valuable. True love means being willing to suffer so that another does not have to. This is the essence of sacrifice. In the kingdom of God, success is based on sacrifice. Do you love God more than you love yourself? Your success in God's eyes is measured by your willingness to sacrifice. You are drawn to the idea of success, but are you repulsed by the sacrifice it requires? Whatever you give will be given back to you, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. From the beginning, God called us to take up our cross. What is your cross? It is whatever makes you bleed, whatever kills your fleshly desires. Faith is proven by your sacrifice. You stand, you stay, you endure. Whatever challenges you and your deepest fears, but you do it anyway, that is your cross. Your pride, your comfort, your fears, they must all be sacrificed on the altar of faith. Remember, you cannot love successfully without sacrifice. Love is proven in the willingness to put oneself in uncomfortable places for the sake of others. Let us embrace the cross, endure the sacrifice, and in doing so, realize our true value and worth in Christ. And, the true value of His sacrifice.