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Ten8 Fire

Sacrifice

B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO

 

This month, many of us will enjoy a day off work as our nation observes Memorial Day. While Memorial Day is often filled with family time, good food and fun, its purpose is to honor and remember the ultimate sacrifice that so many have made for our freedom. It is equally important for us to honor those currently serving to protect our freedom. While sacrificing many of the things we take for granted, these men and women have dedicated a part of their life to serve for a greater cause than themselves. We must also remember the family members of those who are currently serving. Their sacrifice is also significant and worthy of recognition. Take some time this month to recognize those who have and will continue to sacrifice for our benefit.

Gordon B. Hinckley once said, “You will come to know that what appears today to be a sacrifice will prove instead to be the greatest investment that you will ever make.” What sticks out to me in this quote is the word “investment”. When most people think about making an investment, they are focused on self-improvement or self-benefit. For example, if you have obtained a doctorate degree, you likely sacrificed some time with friends and family, as well as, invested a significant sum of money in order to obtain your goal. You made a conscious decision that higher education was worth the temporary sacrifices made along the way. However, what if the sacrifice was more difficult, or maybe even permanent in nature? What if the sacrifice was for someone else’s benefit and not ours? Would you still be as committed to the cause? Sacrifice is an incredibly powerful concept that can produce tremendous rewards, but will always involve some level of commitment to the cause.

In the game of chess, choosing the chessmen and the correct timing in which to make a sacrifice is a critical part of the game strategy. Even in a game, sacrifice is a necessary part of the process in achieving success. In most cases, sacrifice is directly proportional to the reward. Meaning, the more significant the sacrifice, the greater the potential reward. Growing up, I can remember my parents sacrificing certain pleasantries, so that I could have the things I needed, and in many cases, things I just wanted. Their sacrifice was an investment into my future on so many levels. In Matthew 25, Jesus was speaking to His Disciples about this very concept when He said, “Then the King (God the Father) will say to those on his right, ‘Come you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ The disciples were very confused by what Jesus was saying, because they could not remember when they had done this things for Him. However, Jesus went on to say, “And the King will say, I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ The message was simple, as you sacrifice and serve others, it is like you are doing it directly for our Lord and Savior. Sacrifice is a powerful way to impact and invest in people. This process of serving and giving through sacrifice, no matter how big or small, also opens the door for blessings in our own life. Hebrews 13:16 says, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Jesus’ life is, and always will be, an example for us to follow. John 15:13 says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” While there is a parallel between sacrifice and reward, there is also a direct connection between love and sacrifice. This month, we are remembering the sacrifice made by many for our freedom. However, we must also never forget the sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross, so that we can be free from the bondage of sin and have access to an eternal relationship with our Lord and Savior.

 

Challenge: Remember those who have and continue to sacrifice for our freedom. Practice the art of sacrifice and service to others. Never forget the sacrifice that Jesus made for each of us on the cross.

 

Published: June 1, 2021

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