All Gave Some - Some Gave All

As I write this, it is November 11th, the day our country has set aside to remember and honor those who have served our country in the armed forces.  I apologize to our Veteran’s that I forgot to mention this occasion this past Sunday as our collective consciousness was focused on the International Benefit Dinner.  Regardless, we are indebted to you for your service and sacrifice.

While some of us may have never been in military service, I am sure most of us are humbled by the commitment that both the soldiers AND their families make in order to keep us safe and protect our way of life.  It is a sacrifice – a giving up of time, presence and security – in order to give the rest of us those things.  Many say it is worth it, even those whose sacrifice included physical and mental scars.

What are we willing to sacrifice?  What do we believe in enough to offer ourselves regardless of profit or laurels?  The ideal of the United States of America ignites that desire in many people, to give themselves in service to support our country’s principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.   The belief in defending these ideals has led many to give their lives in support of the cause.

As Christians, are we willing to make the same sacrifice?  Jesus said during the Last Supper, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) Obviously Jesus give himself up to be killed in order that we might live – to see clearly and irrevocably just how much God loves us and desires to be part of our lives and known in the world.

As American Christians, we live in relative comfort (if on the edges of relevancy) in our position in society.  We are guaranteed our right to worship however we see fit.  There is not much sense of sacrifice in that, save for the commitment of time at attend and participate in worship and the life of the Church.  We have little fear of being tortured or even martyred for our beliefs.

If it is true that if something is important enough we will sacrifice anything to do it, what do we sacrifice in support of our faith?  Do we give enough time to offer our prayers and worship to be in a relationship with God?  Do we offer our gifts and talents to the ministry and mission of the Church, to witness to God’s love in the world through loving acts of service?  Do we give of our resources to the point that we must go without something else in order to support the Church? Are we willing to admit that all that we have is God’s to begin with and giving some of it back to God is part of our faith journey?  That is a sacrifice because we recognize that God is the center of our lives, not our egos. 

The wonder of sacrifice is that we usually get back more than we give.  That is God’s economy – it doesn’t make sense and yet it works.  When we consciously choose to give more of ourselves, we recognize the benefits and blessings, especially when it is hard to do.  If it were easy, we would learn nothing about God’s grace and love.

This Sunday we will celebrate Commitment Sunday.  Yes, we will be offering our pledge cards, but I would also ask that you consider what else you can commit to sacrificing to God in the coming year.  Perhaps it is serving on the Vestry or teaching Sunday school or organizing a fellowship event.  Maybe it’s time to join the choir or altar guild or acolytes.  All of these ministries are important and need your sacrifice in order to continue. 

Take some time to prayerfully consider what you are willing to sacrifice in order to be a disciple of Christ. The best part is that it is impossible to fail!

In Christ,

Rev. Valerie+

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