The Sacrifice of Self
by Jefferson David Tant
One familiar Bible passage is Romans 12:1: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice…”
We hear much about “sacrifice” and the “spirit of sacrifice.” This is all well and good, for our hope of heaven depends upon our willingness to give self to God. But do we really understand what self-sacrifice or the spirit of sacrifice is? Have you ever given serious thought to the matter? Please do so with me.
A sacrifice is offered as an expression of thanksgiving or homage and devotion. In this sense, the amount of self we give (whether time, money, or talent) represents our love for God. The animal sacrifices of the Old Testament involved the complete giving of whatever was offered. The term “sacrifice” implies that he who offers presents it entirely — no reservations, no “Indian giving.” Therefore, the giver has no more claim on it, for it has been submitted to God to do with as he wills.
A true sacrifice represents something of value to the giver—it really means something. The “sacrifices” of Malachi 1:8 were a joke. The people were offering their lame, blind, and sick animals to the Lord, and God said it was contemptible.
And so one says, “I’ve given up so much to be a Christian. I’ve given up drinking, drugs, and smoking.”
“Oh, I didn’t know you ever liked those things.”
“Well, I couldn’t stand them.”
That, my friend, represents no sacrifice.
Another says, “My children give up so much to be Christians, and being in the school play means so much to Mary. It is one of the few things she can participate in. I’m sorry she will not be able to attend church on Sunday nights for the next two months. That is the practice night.” That is not the spirit of sacrifice, for Mary is not willing to give up something that is of great value to her when it conflicts with her obligations to the Lord. Whatever else she may have given up — whether dancing, friends, or fornication — the test before her now determines the extent of her willingness to sacrifice.
A girl wrote a letter in response to a tract I had written on “Modest Apparel.” I quote: “Dear Brother Tant, I just finished reading your article. It was very good. You covered everything. Many of the things I intended to use to ‘fight back’ were covered as I read on. I guess I’m just stubborn, but even though you presented such good arguments, I can’t bring myself to stop wearing my shorts and bathing suit…”
Now, aside from considering whether my arguments were correct, she did not have what Christ asked for in Matthew 16:24: “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” She was convinced the arguments were correct but unwilling to sacrifice her practice. You can apply this same reasoning to ball games, homework, jobs, or anything that may be right in itself but which, in a given circumstance, conflicts with our duty to God.
Paul’s attitude was that nothing would keep him out of heaven (Philippians 3:7-14). He further declared the crucifixion of self so Christ could truly live in him (Galatians 2:20). But Jesus gave the greatest example (Matthew 26:39). You cannot image what great strength this spirit of sacrifice will provide you with to live for Christ. Where there is no race, there is no victory; where there is no self-denial, there is no fulfillment; where there is no cross, there will be no crown.
