Making sacrifices with a smile.

The saying goes.. only mad men does the same thing, yet expect different results.  In everything we do, whether it be business, sport or relationships, we all have an ideal.  In order to reach that ideal, the key is to let go of what you hang on to.  Let’s take fitness for instance.  In order to become what you want to, you have to make changes, make sacrifices.  You need to eat right, sacrifice that daily slab of chocolate and spend time in the gym or running.  My point is this; the word “sacrifice” has always made me cringe.  As humans we don’t like letting go of what we have.  We certainly don’t appreciate being taken out of our comfort zones.  The problem with this view is that no change can happen unless you let go.  Let’s get back to the example of fitness.  The whole reason you aren’t fit is because you don’t exercise.  So sitting on the coach and wanting change is not the same as getting up and start making the change.

So it is clear, going about the same routine as we always do, won’t bring in change.  Now let’s draw that aspect through to faith.  Being in relationship with God is like staying fit.  It is a lifestyle. Switching it on and off as you like, is a convenience contract, it is not a relationship.  So with that in mind, it means you need to get out of your comfort zone.  You need to makes sacrifices and go the extra mile.  You need to work on this relationship, spend time with God.  With this there is an aspect we don’t enjoy that much.  The Bible speaks of picking up your cross and following God.  The disciples had to leave behind what they know.  That very thing that gave them security, they had to let go of, in order to follow God.  So now we are back to square one… sacrifices.

Luke 9:23  Then he said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Think about what you want most in life.  It can be that work promotion, that hobby you are working on.  For me it became fitness, so ill share my story.  I have the desire to look good and to feel good.  To push my body further and further each day.  To reach my maximum potential.  With this as my goal, sacrificing old eating habits is no longer torture.  To spend time in the gym and work later at night when it comes to studies is no longer an issue.  I go the extra mile because I want to.  I do whatever I need to do to reach my goals, with a smile.  In the same manner, once God becomes our sole purpose, our obsession, our focus… then going the extra mile is all worth it.  Then spending more time with Him is a joy, sacrificing our time and effort to be God’s hands in this world is no longer an issue.  All of a sudden the word “sacrifice” turned into “willingly surrender”.

Make God your focus, your ambition and your obsession.  And see what God can do in this world through you when you are absolutely sold out to Him.

Have a blessed day!