Introduction. When asked about the blessings we have gained since becoming a Christian, what answers can we give? While we have reasons for making sacrifices and being faithful, are they readily available when asked? Are they strong enough to be convincing to us and just as important, strong enough that we can confidently discuss them with others? “Being ready always to give answer to every man that asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you...” (1Pet. 3:15).
Jesus endured the cross because of “the joy that was set before Him” (Heb. 12:1-3)! Moses endured ill treatment with God’s people because “he looked at the recompense of reward” (Heb. 11:24-26). Paul suffered the loss of all things, counting them as rubbish to “attain the resurrection of the dead”(Phil. 3:7-11). These are just a few examples of answers we might give. Clearly, the stronger the reasons the greater the sacrifices we can make. When the reasons are strong enough, any sacrifice is reasonable. “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service (Rom. 12:1). Here are some of the most powerful reasons:
Jesus endured the cross because of “the joy that was set before Him” (Heb. 12:1-3)! Moses endured ill treatment with God’s people because “he looked at the recompense of reward” (Heb. 11:24-26). Paul suffered the loss of all things, counting them as rubbish to “attain the resurrection of the dead”(Phil. 3:7-11). These are just a few examples of answers we might give. Clearly, the stronger the reasons the greater the sacrifices we can make. When the reasons are strong enough, any sacrifice is reasonable. “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service (Rom. 12:1). Here are some of the most powerful reasons:
Gratitude. Living day by day, listening to the heavens declaring the glory of God (Ps. 19:1-2), and looking at His everlasting power and divinity in the things that are made (Rom. 1:20), many powerful reasons arise. God is the source of every blessing. Every good thing given and every perfect gift we possess came from His power and His love (Jas. 1:17). When we live with such ever-increasing gratitude, not only does it draw us closer to God and create awe and reverence, but it makes every sacrifice not only reasonable but compelling. How can we not sacrifice for Him who has done so much for us?
Comfort and Security. When God is “for us, who can be against us?” God has infinite power and wisdom and when we serve Him, “we know that all things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28, 31). What better reason could we give than the comfort of knowing that God is with us wherever we go? God told Joshua, as long as he remained faithful, “you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Josh. 1:8). We have a similar promise. “He himself has said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake you.” (Heb. 13:5-6). Regardless of the sacrifices that must be made, having God watching over us makes it them reasonable.
Our Prayers are Heard. The contrast couldn’t be more stark between those who are sacrificing and serving God and those who are not. “One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination,” but “the prayer of the upright is His delight.” (Pr. 28:9; 15:8). Every sacrifice proves our fidelity and devotion. It is much easier to make sacrifices when we know God is looking upon us with favor and every prayer and request we make of Him is considered a delight. What sacrifice is too great when we are: “Casting all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you.” (1Pet. 5:7)?
The Bible: A Lamp Unto Our Feet. The Word of God reveals the best way to live. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10:10). “Godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” (1Tim. 4:8). When we replace “the vain manner of life handed down from our fathers” for “the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day” (Pr. 4:18), we are confident of success. While guided by God’s word, we live the best life possible, gaining wisdom and favor.
God's Precious Promises. When God “granted to us His precious and exceeding great promises,” He gave us another powerful reason to be faithful (2Pet. 1:4). For multitudes the hope of future glory is the greatest reason to be a Christian. Living “in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began” (Titus 1:2) is a great blessing. “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Heb. 6:19). God’s precious promises create motivation to keep us faithful and committed regardless of the sacrifice. “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1Jn. 3:1-3).
Conclusion. These are just a few of the many reasons Christians have for serving God faithfully year after year under all the trials and tribulations of life. In the midst of these sacrifices, we must remind ourselves, “let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Gal. 6:9).
Comfort and Security. When God is “for us, who can be against us?” God has infinite power and wisdom and when we serve Him, “we know that all things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28, 31). What better reason could we give than the comfort of knowing that God is with us wherever we go? God told Joshua, as long as he remained faithful, “you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Josh. 1:8). We have a similar promise. “He himself has said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake you.” (Heb. 13:5-6). Regardless of the sacrifices that must be made, having God watching over us makes it them reasonable.
Our Prayers are Heard. The contrast couldn’t be more stark between those who are sacrificing and serving God and those who are not. “One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination,” but “the prayer of the upright is His delight.” (Pr. 28:9; 15:8). Every sacrifice proves our fidelity and devotion. It is much easier to make sacrifices when we know God is looking upon us with favor and every prayer and request we make of Him is considered a delight. What sacrifice is too great when we are: “Casting all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you.” (1Pet. 5:7)?
The Bible: A Lamp Unto Our Feet. The Word of God reveals the best way to live. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10:10). “Godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” (1Tim. 4:8). When we replace “the vain manner of life handed down from our fathers” for “the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day” (Pr. 4:18), we are confident of success. While guided by God’s word, we live the best life possible, gaining wisdom and favor.
God's Precious Promises. When God “granted to us His precious and exceeding great promises,” He gave us another powerful reason to be faithful (2Pet. 1:4). For multitudes the hope of future glory is the greatest reason to be a Christian. Living “in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began” (Titus 1:2) is a great blessing. “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Heb. 6:19). God’s precious promises create motivation to keep us faithful and committed regardless of the sacrifice. “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1Jn. 3:1-3).
Conclusion. These are just a few of the many reasons Christians have for serving God faithfully year after year under all the trials and tribulations of life. In the midst of these sacrifices, we must remind ourselves, “let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Gal. 6:9).