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Sometimes I have to take a step back, look at the big picture, and realize that I’m fooling myself. How, you might ask? I make myself feel good and Christian-y by going to church on Sundays, occasionally donating money to a charity, helping some friends, and sporadically volunteering for a good cause. I compare myself to others and focus on how I’m doing relative to those around me. Man, have I got it all wrong.
The big issue here is that God is looking for me to be consistent and all in. He doesn’t care about how I compare to the average Joe. He holds me to His standard. My sometimes sacrifices aren't justifying me. He is looking for me to be right and just daily - choosing the good of others over my own. Thank goodness He knows that I will fail and fall at times, and He graciously forgives me, but the expectation remains the same. He's asking me to fulfill the calling - to share the gospel with others so they can be saved. There is nothing more righteous and just than treating others with and sharing the love that Jesus has shown to us. All other actions should flow from and support that priority. Am I actively looking for people to demonstrate and articulate God’s love to?
Typically a sacrifice is an event. We make the sacrifice, we complete the ceremony, we move on. It feels good, too, because people probably see it. We get recognition and kudos for our “Christian service.” For a lot of my life I’ve lived for those accolades. But I’ll only see true change in the world and a full life when I live a consistent day by day exploration and application of doing what is righteous and just. I’ve got to bring my sacrifice, and also bring every single day to Him. After all, faith without action is dead. This is what is pleasing to God, and with how well He has loved me seeking to please Him is the least I can do.
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