Reaching Out

Sacrifice
By Ro Lashua

When we say the word sacrifice, what is the first word that comes to mind?

Is it, hardship, difficulty and suffering?

Let’s look at sacrifice in a positive way.

In 1 Peter 2:5 We seen we are to offer up spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God.

1 Peter 2:5
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (KJV)

What are spiritual sacrifices?

The opposite of spiritual is physical. So we are talking about the sacrifices that are intangible. These would be sacrifices that are not necessarily seen. However the evidence of spiritual sacrifices can be seen. Let me explain.

In Psalms 4:5 we see that we can offer up a sacrifice of righteousness. That sacrifice is not seen but the evidence of it is seen.

Psalms 4:5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

Another sacrifice that is spiritual is our sacrifice of praise. We are even told how to do that. The sacrifice of praise is to speak praise to God and give Him thanks. The scripture says, continually. That means all the time. That would indicate that we are to praise God at all times. That would mean, even when things are not going so good. Now, that IS a sacrifice.

Hebrews 13:15
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

There is also a sacrifice of joy. This would be lifting up our head and heart while things are not going well and choosing to be joyful. This is not easy. But it can be done.

Psalm 27:6
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

These are just a few examples of spiritual sacrifices that we offer up to God. When we do this we are presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice to God. We continue to live and present our spiritual sacrifices to him. This is cited as our reasonable service.

Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service

Let’s look for ways to give spiritual sacrifices to the Lord. He is faithful and he loves us with a never ending love. Knowing this should enable us to give sacrifices of praise, sacrifices of joy and to live a life of righteousness, which is our spiritual sacrifice.

Remember, it is called sacrifice because it is not always easy to do. But the rewards are great, we become more like Jesus and closer to our Lord.