Why Do We Have to Give Up Something?
John 12:24
While pondering a statement that a friend made, “I can’t put up my Christmas decorations this year, because I am refurbishing my house and the painter has stuff in the way,” I began to wonder, why do we have to give up something in order to gain that which we desire? For example, if a mother wants to cuddle a new born baby in her arms, she must give up her “girly” figure for a season. If we desire to have peace in our hearts and homes, often, we must humble ourselves even when we are not the guilty party.
This fundamental truth is the foundation of life. We must give up something in order to gain anything that is worthy or enduring. Parents usually make numerous sacrifices because they desire a good and healthy life for their children.
However, these sacrifices don’t compare to the one perfect example of gaining through losing; Jesus Christ himself. For a season, Jesus had to give up His peaceful and comfortable home in heaven in order to demonstrate to us how to live a godly life on earth. Even more sacrificial, He had to lay down His life by the way of a cruel cross, so that we might be blessed with the privilege of being free people.
So, why should we feel “put out” when we have to make sacrifices for the things we desire? It doesn’t compare to Jesus giving up His life so that we might have life overflowing and to the full. Moreover, Jesus declared, “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29).
What a phenomenal promise! When we make sacrifices, or forsake our prize possessions and relationships for Christ, He recompenses us by giving us a hundred times its value. And, as an extra benefit, He gives us eternal life! What more can we ask for or desire? The inconveniences or lack of fellowship cannot compare to what we gain.
Furthermore, according to the words of Jesus, dying to ourselves is the principle of multiplication. “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain” (John 12:24). Just one kernel of wheat falling to the ground and dying can produce a “bumper” crop!
By dying to ourselves, we will also produce a generous harvest. It’s not always comfortable or the way we would prefer to obtain our desires…but it’s worth it. Yes, we have to give up something in order to gain that which is noteworthy.
Pray…
Father, You said the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. This I know for sure. I prefer not to give up any of my ways or prize possessions, but I know I must, in order to gain all that You have for me. So, I will depend on Your strength, and lean on Your grace and mercy to help me to die to myself, so that I might gain the abundant harvest You have for me. Amen!
Posted by on Wednesday, December 6th, 2017 @ 12:03AM
Categories: Inspirational
Yes! If we want God’s best we have to get used to this process, but it WILL reap a great reward! No sacrifice is too great! Amen
Amen, Robyn!
What an on time post and confirmation today! As an Evangelist I’ve often shared Matthew 19:29. But today, I needed to be reminded of it. Thank you so much.
Agape~
You are welcome, Elder Gail!
Thank you for this blog Apostle! This word found me and confronted my heart. It is so true that we MUST give up something to achieve the things we want and to have the things God wants for us. Amen!
You are welcome Pastor Franks!