WOULD YOU GIVE IT ALL?

 At times I come away from listening to a sermon with more than one post inspiration.  The thing about that is ~we both could sit and listen to a sermon and come away with different ideas of what important point should be discussed.  Once again-could I say how thankful I am for our differences!  I cannot imagine how tedious it would be if the world was filled with Lulu's.  Why I even annoy my own self at times.  

The question was asked in that sermon~

IF SOMETHING OF GREAT VALUE- PHYSICAL OR NONPHYSICAL,

COULD BE AVAILABLE  TO YOU

WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE UP 

TO OBTAIN IT?

WOULD YOU GIVE ANYTHING ASKED OF YOU?

I have had this in my notes for a few weeks now and keep going back to it. I have thought of something as simple as giving up sugar for a month to lose a few pounds.  A small and short sacrifice.  I have thought of those who have given up time to help those who have suffered disasters as an unselfish act of service.  I have thought of those who have given their lives, for the sake of living in a democracy.  I have thought of those who have donated an organ for transplant so a loved one can have a longer life knowing it could shorten their own life.    

This all boils down to an act of sacrifice to obtain something of value.  Most of us would quickly jump at the chance to give our own life for the sake of our child's life.  Many of us have witnessed a loved one's anguish in losing a child.  Inevitably the words are spoken, "It should have been me."  The bottom line is---when we love someone we are more than  willing and even desire to make sacrifices for them.  It is an act of love.

The sermon was touching on living a Christ like life.  When we turn to Jesus and admit our need for Him, we start down the road to sanctification.  Many are unwilling to make the turn because of what they might have to give up.  Those things they know will stand between them and their Savior.  Here is the truth of the matter---once we experience the boundless love of God---we are not only willing to give up our sinful ways, but we do not really miss them.  The challenge comes NOT in the giving up--the challenge is in being willing to give up ANYTHING to experience the grace available because of God's limitless love and compassion for us.  All we have to say is "I am willing" and He will do the rest.  What a GREAT GOD!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,

the new creation has come.

The old has passed away;

behold, the new has come."

2 Corinthians 5:17