A friend of mine made that statement to a group of us when I was nineteen years old, and it has always stuck with me.
Sometimes service is easy or requires less effort than other times, but there is always some sacrifice. Time, material possessions, and personal preferences are all examples of sacrifices made in service.
What about greatness? Does that involve sacrifice? Often when we think of being great we think of excellence in skills or wealth or professional success.
The apostle Paul had a different take according to Romans 15:1-2 (MSG) – “Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, ‘How can I help?’”
Strength is for service, not status.
So maybe skills are for service, not status. Success is for service, not status. Wealth, health, talent, knowledge…the list can go on and on! Everything is for His service, His purpose, and His glory!
We have to ask ourselves then, is greatness found in those who have more to sacrifice? Look no further than to the widow who gave two mites—which was everything she had—to answer that question. Greatness is found in obedience. What are you willing to sacrifice for the sake of the Kingdom?
Spend some time today asking the Lord where He wants you to sacrifice. Is it your time, talents, resources, finances, or personal comfort? Something else?
Asking Him can be scary. What if He responds with something you don’t want to give up? Reflect on His character to be assured He loves you and has a plan. He sees the bigger picture. What He asks of you might seem huge right now, but if you step out in faith you will be able to look back at this moment as part of your story and part of His faithfulness and goodness in your life. He’s inviting you into His story. Will you join Him?
Outreach Team