Sometimes I don’t want to sacrifice. At times, I don’t feel like putting me on the back burner while I take care of someone else’s needs. Every now and then, I just want to be selfish, let it be about me and mines.
Well, lately, sacrifice, has been my problem. Instead of unselfishly giving of myself to serve God and others, I became self-absorbed. I took the easy way out by convincing myself that I wasn’t being narrow-minded, and I wasn’t being mean. Why not me? I thought. I’m always concerned about people and their needs. So, why not me? Honestly, I think I’ve been wanting it to be all about me for a while. Yes, yes, I know the saying, “It’s not about you.” But here recently, I’ve been saying, “Why not! Why can’t it be about me? I’ve been allowing it to be about them, so why not me this time?”
Rebellion is doing what you want to do even though you truly know you’re flat-out wrong!
The other day, I started a reading plan on my Bible app, and through this particular devotional, God brought to my attention that I wasn’t yielding to His will. I wasn’t sacrificing my life for His. The devotion said Christ “lived a life of service and sacrifice, and you are called to do the same.”1 All I could say was OUCH!
Giving up my will for God has become an arduous struggle, a constant battle of rejecting my flesh so that I could do what God has called me to do. It has been a drag down, knock out fight within to choose His will over my own. You know, it’s called “rebellion” when you do what you want to do even though you truly know you’re flat-out WRONG. Yep, that’s what I’ve been doing, rebelling against God.
Yet, in my rebellious downfall, God has mercy on me. In fact, despite ourselves, He’s having mercy on us right now. By God’s grace and the Holy Spirit, He reminded me that I must be an imitator of God (Eph. 5:1). My life must emulate Jesus by sacrificing what I want, what pleases me, and surrendering to His will (John 6:38).
Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
We are told through the penmanship of the Apostle Paul that our natural-man wages war against the spirit-man daily. Consequently, the one we feed the most will win. Nothing good comes from feeding our flesh; however, when we feed our spirit we’ll produce good fruit that flourishes and grows (Gal. 5:16-26).
Why not me? Because God has called me (and you) to selflessly serve Him and serve others. Jesus came to serve, and so must we. So today, I resist my will, and say yes to God. And on tomorrow, the battle starts all over again. I pray that I’ll yield to my spirit-man.
PRAYER: Oh, great God. Forgive me for being so selfish and stubborn. Forgive me for choosing my way over Yours. I surrender to Your authority. Help me live out this day saying YES to only You. I appreciate Your grace, mercy, and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
It’s Wednesday, Hump Day! Here’s our biblical principle to help us get over the hump.
Mark 10:45 NLT For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Let’s walk in freedom and impact this hurting world together!
Your sis, Rhovonda
1. Love God Greatly- Intentionally Focused. Day 1. http://www.lovegodgreatly.com
TODAY’S FREEDOM SCRIPTURE
EPHESIANS 5:1-2 NLT Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.