Wednesday - "The Legacy of Sacrifice"

Greetings Internet Campus Family,

II Chronicles 29:4-6 (NLT)
4 He summoned the priests and Levites to meet him at the courtyard east of the Temple. 5 He said to them, “Listen to me, you Levites! Purify yourselves, and purify the Temple of the LORD, the God of your ancestors. Remove all the defiled things from the sanctuary. 6 Our ancestors were unfaithful and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD our God. They abandoned the LORD and his dwelling place; they turned their backs on him.

What will your legacy be in the area of sacrifice? When it comes to giving of yourself and your resources...were you generous? Did you do without so that others could have? Who did you put first in your life?

I really believe that part of our lasting legacy includes sacrifice. Unfortunately, our very nature (being made of flesh) drives us to be concerned with our own well being sometimes. But how do we model sacrifice?

1) We give of our resources - God has told each of us to tithe. I really don't know a gentler way to put it than that. He has instructed us to sacrifice or do whatever it takes to put Him first. I know this is very challenging (especially these days...) but I can tell you...it will never be easy. It isn't a matter of more money=more giving. It seems that when we do have a little extra, we can always find places to use it... Giving of our resources requires sacrifice. We may be called to eliminate extra "wants" in our lives so that we can make this happen. We don't give to God because we want others to be impressed or because we think the church needs (or doesn't need) the money. Giving is obedience. If sacrifice is required for us to leave a legacy of generosity...than that is something that we need to pray over and follow.

2) We give of ourselves - What is it about time that seems to speed up when we want it to slow down? We only have a limited number of hours in a day and it's all we can do to get what we need to get done...let alone have enough time to serve others. However, this is what God has called us to do. A legacy of sacrifice means that we need to love our neighbors (everybody) as we love ourselves. Serve those around you...commit to reaching out...allow the needs of people to outweigh the needs of yourself. These aren't just noble goals for somebody else. They are for you and they are for me.

I know that this morning's devotional has been challenging...but nobody ever said that being a Christian would be simple and easy. A legacy of sacrifice...making a footprint of selflessness on the planet makes it a better place. It also makes us more like Christ...and that should be our goal regardless of feelings or challenges that may prevent us from doing so.

Really take some time this morning and pray over this. I am praying this morning for you.

Blessings,
Pastor Brian