What Is Your Sacrifice?

Back in the Old Testament Bible times it seems that people always brought something to offer/sacrifice to God to atone for their sins and as part of their worship service or worship experience.  A question that comes to my mind is, “What is it that we bring to God when we worship today?”

Some would say that we don’t need to offer sacrifices any longer as Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice and atonement for our sins.  I certainly agree that he was in fact that.

I guess what I’m saying is that sometimes I feel like I just show up at church waiting to be moved…waiting for God to “do his thing” without any work put forth from me.  Yeah, I can sing the songs and put money in the offering plate as it goes by.  But is that really worship?  Doesn’t God deserve more than that?

So what is it that I sacrifice when I come to worship?  Does a tithe or monetary offering cut it?  Am I sacrificing a good tee time to be at church and hoping God will give me bonus points for doing so?  Is the gift of my presence really all that great?  Don’t answer that last one.

I think God still deserves a sacrifice from us.  I think that he deserves us giving up something we deem “important” or “valuable” to be with him.  I think that Christianity costs something.  Yes, we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8).  But then our story continues.  We are called to a life of discipleship and service and sacrifice.

So what is it that I need to sacrifice – to lay at the feet of Jesus – when I come to worship?  If I’m being honest with myself, there are lots of things (idols perhaps?) that I absolutely put great value and trust in but which are truly not worthy. 

Jesus tells a young man in Matthew 19:16-22 to sell ALL that he has, give the money to the poor, and then come and follow:

Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”  “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”  “Which ones?” he inquired.  Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’  “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”  Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”  When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

You see, it’s not just about showing up or being good.  There is a cost…a sacrifice we must make.  Am I willing to sacrifice all that I hold dear (those things that give me “security”) in this world to follow Christ?  Are you?  What will we sacrifice to be in the presence of God?