 |
| Was It Worth It? |
Hebrews 13:16 ESV
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Recently I saw the movie The Monuments Men that portrays the true story of a group of soldiers that are tasked to find art and national treasures being stolen during World War II. In the movie the character portrayed by George Clooney was asked if the sacrifice of the men in this task was worth it, and if in thirty years the sacrifice would be remembered?
As you go forward in your daily ministry and mission, how often do you look for a return for your sacrifice and how often do you ask yourself: "Was it worth it"?
- How often do you sacrifice in our best and most significant labors in ministry, and then feel depressed when you receive diminished returns?
Brothers and Sisters, the true meaning of sacrifice that Hebrews 13:16 is speaking of are tasks done for others out of love and with a loving heart. The sacrifices made by you out of love are truly not about your returns and what makes you feel good, but rather that God embraces your loving witness and is very pleased by your loving heart in witness to others.
So the answer is not whether the sacrifice is remembered or embraced by humanity? The answer is that God will remember your sacrifice and will place your actions, deeds, and sacrifices into His Master Plan for His creation.
My prayer for you this day is that you go out in the knowledge that your sacrifices of love may not supply you the returns that you require, but rather the fact is that what you do in love and sacrifice is always good and acceptable to God.
This is the day that the Lord has made!
Pastor Tim.
