Why should we sacrifice?

 

The word sacrifice has some interesting connotations to it.  For some people, they think of the traditional sacrifices of the Old Testament  (and how much of a sacrifice it is to read about them in the Deuteronomy and Leviticus).  Occasionally images of Hollywood and different cultures come to mind.  Others picture ancestors that gave so much to find religious or other freedoms or perhaps even parents that worked two jobs in order to keep food on the table.

 

Yet many of us in the modern world are losing touch with what it really means to sacrifice.  We don't have to trudge in the cold snow to find fresh water or fuel to heat our homes.  Medical care is readily available and modern conveniences such as washing machines, dishwashers, cars and computers have made some of the most difficult tasks of yesteryear quite accessible.  Even 100 years ago, people would spend their entire lives looking for knowledge that is accessible in seconds via Google.  Even typing this Blog entry seems to be a breeze when compared to the typewriters of my father's generation.  While I join you in being grateful for modern conveniences, I worry that there will come a time when we have completely forgotten the importance of sacrifice, resulting in the loss of the blessings associated.

 

Joseph Smith, the first modern prophet of our church, once stated that “a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation.”  These are powerful words.  Yet in a world of modern convenience, they tend to feel old-fashioned.  Like many of God's truths, they are not, but understanding them takes work.

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are often asked to do tasks that seem challenging if not onerous.  My colleagues at work often tease me about "church camp" (referring to the fact that our regular meetings last 3 hours on Sundays.  On some Sundays, additional responsibilities take up much of our time left over.)  Most members in the church currently hold "callings" or responsibilities to teach, serve, administer or even supervise the cleaning of the buildings.  We have no paid local clergy in our congregations.  There are some that spend 20-30 hours or more a week simply trying to serve the Lord and bless their fellow members.  Our full-time missionary force actually pays monthly for the opportunity to sleep in cold apartments, eat small meals and spend 16+ hours a day pounding the pavement, looking for interested persons to teach.

In the church, we are asked to tithe our income, contribute to the feeding and clothing of the poor, and travel long distances to participate in temple worship.  We abstain from some of the popular practices of the world including alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco and illegal drugs.  We follow an internal dress code of modesty and we strive to live chaste and loyal lives.  Sometimes I think that a long Sunday would be easier if we could drink coffee...

 

So why do we do it?  Because we follow our Savior Jesus Christ and He was willing to sacrifice for us.   I will quote from the words of Jesus Christ himself:

 

For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink— Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men. (Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19)

 

Christ was willing to give up His life that we might find repentance and a place with Him.  And He knows that by asking us to sacrifice, He is actually directly blessing us.  As we look outward and stop thinking about ourselves, we follow his counsel given to the inhabitants of the Americas in chapter 9 of the book of 3 Nephi in the Book of Mormon:

 

And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not.

 

When I sacrifice for the benefit of my fellow human beings, I am following the counsel given in Matthew 25:40.  "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."  The Lord knows that by allowing us to serve others, He is blessing us and them.  The Lord knows that as we truly sacrifice, we are forced to call upon His name for sustenance, thus bringing us closer to Him.  He knows that as we sacrifice, we will grow in love for those we serve, much as he developed love for us by giving His life.

 

Does it seem too hard?  Sometimes.  Unfair?  Occasionally.  Too rigid?  Sure.  But worth it?  Absolutely.  "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30).  Thank you, Lord for the opportunity to sacrifice for You.