Arkansas State Press

Self-Denial - Sacrifice

by Theresa Jones

Sacrifice - the act of giving up a cherished desire for the good of others. Without sacrifice there would be no world today. From the beginning of mankind sacrifice has been the keyword for his welfare. The sacrifice of blood dominates the Bible from Genesis thru Revelations: The ancient Hebrews killed animals on the altars as sacrifices to God. Empires have given their lives for the glory of living. Conflict after conflict has been wrought, and won or lost by the spirit of sacrifice.

During this season of Lent, Self Denial is another salient factor. It is this season that we observe the greatest sacrifice of all times - a time when mankind was offered the greatest gift of all history.

The Story of the Cross is ever new and challenging, and will always be so. The shed blood of the Lamb of God reminds us of how little we do for Him, ourselves and our fellowman.

A schoolboy was asked what he was giving up during Lent. With good-natured gleam in his eye, he said, "I'm giving up algebra."

Our lighthearted young friend was joking, of course. However, what can be said to anyone who denies self only the things he wants the least and at the same time hopes to receive spiritual benefits?

When Jesus invited men to follow Him, He challenged them, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

Mere denial of the things we do not need and therefore give up easily is improper preparation for following Christ.

Self-denial is essential. He expects us to cleanse our hearts, to order our lives, to offer to Him the Burdens and errors of our ways that keep us from being our best selves. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, saying, Drink ye all of it." How strange for a man to utter a prayer of thanksgiving at such a time as this. His enemies had already completed plans for His destruction. Soon His followers would be scattered, one of them would betray Him and another would deny Him. He Himself would go to a humiliating death. For what did He have to be thankful? The answer, is to be found in the cup. As He holds the cup, He bows his head then says to His disciples, "This is my blood. . . shed for many for the remission of sins." True discipleship means life, all that we have and all that we are, given in loving, sacrificial service. With the giving of such a life, we find the spirit of thanks for the privilege of the gift.