About a word we don't hear much anymore...

Last night, I was watching a movie called "Beautiful Creatures." Towards the end of the movie, there was this scene showing an actor playing a Reverend/Pastor preaching in the pulpit. He was talking about a message that somehow reminds me of the same that most of our friends hardly ever examine or reconsider before saying "No" and walk away to tend to something else whenever the invitation arise to spend and commit more quality time for God whether through Christian-related gatherings or furthering one's Christian faith.

"I don't want to preach today. Instead I just wanna talk to you. About a word we don't hear much anymore: "Sacrifice." It's not what I would call a modern word. People hear the word "sacrifice," and they become afraid that something will be taken away from them or that they will have to give up something they couldn't live without. "Sacrifice," to them, means "Loss". In a world telling us we could have it all."

"But I believe true sacrifice is a victory. That's because it requires our free will. To give up something for someone you love, or something or someone you love more than yourself. I won't lie to you. It's a gamble. Sacrifice wont take away pain and loss, but it wins the battle against bitterness, the bitterness that dims the light on all of the true value in our lives."

Everyday we sacrifice our time working so hard for our family, for ourselves, for our future. We sacrifice our time willingly to socialize with family and friends. But when it comes to sacrificing our time for God, hardly anyone ever wants to give up their personal and family minute. They are just contended, unfortunately, with mediocrity when it comes to practicing their Christian faith. If asked the common cliche what is our highest priority in life, we are quick to answer "God first" of course above our family, above our work, above all else. But our lifestyle says otherwise.

I believe the video clip above is a good thought for us to ponder and examine our conscience before we start thinking about an array of excuses over again in our head next time another chance pass us by, whether be it an invitation to retreats, Christian courses or prayer meetings to grow deeply in faith and practice it daily in life. Will you sacrifice a little more of your time for God? Do we mean it when we say "God first" in our life? Nobody says it's going to be easy. Take it from committed Christians who are often mocked as "overly zealous, arrogant and bigoted, hypocritical, religious nuts". But love entails effort, love entails sacrifice. We owe Him our time, our work and family in the first place. Thus, He requires in us something more.

(Luke 9:61, 62, 58)

'"As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.... Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."'