Sacrifice with Thanksgiving

SACRIFICE WITH THANKSGIVING
Colossians 3:15-16
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”

Sacrifice (SAK-ri-fise means to give up, surrender). Why would anyone willingly sacrifice with thanksgiving? Aren’t these two words opposites? In order to understand this concept, watch Miguel and Buddy.

Playing in a field, Miguel throws the ball. Buddy sprints to scoop it into his mouth, and quickly returns. Miguel, as his dog’s master, decides when they’d play, and where. Buddy never questions why he has to retrieve the ball, but he does—immediately, and with tail wagging.

When Buddy detours ball playing by chasing a squirrel, Miguel laughs. But when Buddy returns empty-mouthed, Miguel fakes a throw, and Buddy remembers his original job. He sprints after the ball and gladly returns with his prize. Buddy doesn’t even notice that his goal was adjusted to his master’s will.

Did you ever see a dog’s grin? Can anyone mistake a dog’s joy for sadness? Never! A dog’s expression is one that every person can read; dogs don’t hide their feelings. A dog’s wagging tail expresses happiness; drooped head and tail signals sorrow. Licking a person’s hand or face is a dog’s way of showing pleasure, adoration, or thanks. Buddy would ever consider retrieving a ball to Miguel a sacrifice. But it IS service; something Buddy’d rather do than anything else.

Returning a ball may not cost Buddy money, nor is painful, but he gives up his freedom to achieve this relationship. And every time Buddy returns the ball, he surrenders it to Miguel. Buddy acts grateful for the privilege to serve his master.

Those who live self-less Christ-centered lives offer genuine thanks, which delights God’s heart. When believers sing songs of praise, thanking God for blessings hardly seems like sacrifice.

Sacrifice with thanksgiving is an idea we can grow to appreciate. “Good dog” Miguel says, and gives Buddy a treat. Words can be empty, but when accompanied with actions, words show gratitude. Boy and dog show mutual (MU-chu-al means shared) love, and their affection toward each other is obvious.

Take Home Nugget

A life given wholly to the Lord is valuable sacrifice that glorifies God, Who blesses His child beyond measure. The blessed child is grateful, and mutual love flows freely between Father and child. No one can outgive God!

Holy Lord we come with thanksgiving
For Your many blessings freely given.
Surrendering to His lead is a life worth living,
My life for Him is securely driven.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

J.D. Griffith

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