Leadership: Sacrifice

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Romans 12:1 (NKJV)

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Hebrews 13:16 (ESV)

Scheming leaders want YOU to sacrifice your money and time for them. They’re selfish.

  • Lukewarm leaders don't want anybody to sacrifice anything. They’re passive. 

  • Good leaders sacrifice themselves for you. Jesus is the Model of selflessness.

But for me (at least), selflessness is HARD. Just giving up a tasty treat is hard. But to give up our comforts AND OUR LIVES? God did. Jesus did. We should stand ready.

As I write the words of this devotion, I must confess the fault of selfishness. It rears its ugly head in greedy ways. Perhaps you’ve been acquainted with this beast.

Paul was: 'O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?' (Romans 7:24).

Romans 8 reveals God's triumph through Paul. As a leader, Paul practiced sacrifice. 'I die daily' (1 Corinthians 15:31). With the Lord’s help, he overcame himself. Because learning that difficult habit sets us up to walk the road of glory!

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

You know you HAVE TO REHEARSE your talent. MUCH MORE, we must rehearse self-sacrifice… because that's what every good leader does., and God called and designed you for this role.

In arts, entertainment, and media…

  • Practice dying to me-first vanity.

  • Practice loving unlovable people.

  • Practice godliness over worldliness.

  • Practice thankfulness instead of complaints.

  • Practice small roles as if they’re major roles.

  • Practice hope, faith, love, patience, and kindness.

  • Practice self-control as your leading role.

  • Practice living as shining examples.

Because each time you show self-sacrifice, all the people who see it will be stunned.

But…

When selfishness rears its ravenous head (which is will, especially when you're tired, hungry, or at your weakest human point, like Jesus in His 40-day trial)...

Reconsider the God Who gave His All, specifically for your life and mine!

On a closing note of celebration, your sacrifice invites God's fulfillment.

Leadership: Sacrifice (Part 35)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban