Hi
There is an oldish saying, ‘Is life worth living – it depends upon the liver.’ It is quite profound as it places responsibility on the one who is living as well as the the health, using the play on the word ‘liver’. As living sacrifices, it is even more powerful as the liver could also refer to the One Who lives in us. And having granted us the gift of abundant life; I suspect that IN Him (Christ Jesus), life IS worth living.
Having answered the ‘living’ question, we may, as sacrifices, wish to turn the phrase by substituting One Letter. And so the question is now, ‘is life worth Giving – it depends on the Giver!’ A more profound thought?, especially when we consider today’s Holy Nougat
“So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly … You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.””2 Corinthians 9:5, 7 NLT
As living sacrifices, is life worth Giving?
Erm
Not so easy to respond yes, when we subconsciously still wish to retain control over parts of our lives. You see, the giving has multiple contextual connotations – we have to determine our Who and our What (although ultimately it boils down to the same Who and the same What).
Some of us ‘give’ our lives to/for our family. We live and breathe for them and our lives revolve around them, their wants, needs, likes and dislikes. Others of us dedicate our lives to our country. And most nations honor their heroes, usually with an annual day or with national awards (also annual events). A few of us give our lives to/for strangers – through organ or blood donation – much needed in these times. Thanks for your service.
Ironically, we are often challenged when asked to give our lives totally to God. In the words of one songwriter, we ought to be ‘wrapped up, tied up and tangled up with Jesus’. When we’re that tangled in Christ, giving to/for our family, country or even strangers is a response to God’s direction and not a substitution FOR giving to God. Moreover, when we give ourselves totally TO God, we ought to be cheerful about the gift.
That is the caveat – it means (as my sisters lovingly reminded me) that the recipient, God, is FREE to do with us as God wills! Without any complaints. If-ever, However, Whenever, Wherever AND Whatever God’s Spirit desires. NO complaints, simply ‘speak Lord, Your gift is ready’. Or, ‘here I am, send me’. And also ‘I’m available Lord, use me’. No murmuring; No problem. Can we honestly do this every time?
Maybe sometimes on our own. And that’s where God’s Spirit comes in. For total obedience is not easy (it’s probably impossible) without God’s Spirit. With God’s Spirit within, we are ‘Souled-Out’ for Christ and life is worth living AND giving. And, despite the obstacles or the situation we face, we can give, knowing that we give ‘unto the Lord’.
Lord we give You our all, help us give to You with joy! In Christ’s love and grace . . .
