Sacrifice Or Donation?

1 John 4:10 – This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (NIV)

A couple of times recently, I've heard a make-believe story about a pig and a chicken. According to the yarn, the two animals were travelling down the road together, when they saw a sign out in front of the local church announcing the theme of the pastor's upcoming message: "What will you do to help the poor?"

The two critters decided that the question merited some consideration and that perhaps they should do something to help these people. After some deliberation, the chicken suggested, "I know what we should do to help. We should put on a ham and egg breakfast."

The pig gave the suggestion some thought, then responded, "That's easy for you to say. For you it would mean giving only a donation. For me it would mean a total sacrifice."

I wonder if some of us are like the chicken. We want to follow Christ — as long as the daily walk demands only a donation, something we can give easily. But a donation is not what God asks of us. Christ gave His all when He went to the cross and sacrificed His life to pay the penalty for our sin. Should we expect to give less? Christianity demands our all.

Prayer: Dear God, remind us of the price Jesus paid on Calvary for our salvation. Help us to realize that Your love demands our life, our love, our all. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share this devotional on Facebook     Like PresbyCan on Facebook