Living Sacrifice
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2
An American businessman went to Oberammergau to witness the famous passion play, just before the outbreak of World War II. Enthralled by this great drama that depicts the story of the cross, he went backstage at the conclusion of the play to meet Anton Lang, who played the part of the Christus.
Our American friend had equipped himself with an expensive camera which he was eager to use.
Abruptly he snapped the picture of Anton Lang, much to Mr. Lang’s discomfort. Then looking about the stage for something more to shoot with his camera, he saw over in the corner the great cross that Mr. Lang had carried up the hill to Calvary in the play. Quickly turning to his wife, he said, “Here, dear, you take my camera. I’m going over and lift up the cross. When I get it up on my shoulder, you snap my picture carrying the cross. Won’t that be a novel and exciting picture to send home to our friends in America?”
He saw that Mr. Lang was frowning severely at the brusque irreverence of the American tourist. “You don’t mind, do you, Mr. Lang?” he said. “This is very unusual,” protested Mr. Lang; but before he could say more, the man had hurried over beside the cross. He stooped down to lift it to his shoulder, but he could not budge it one inch off the floor—the cross was made of heavy iron oak beams.
Puffing with amazement, the man turned to Mr. Lang and said, “Why, I thought it would be light. I thought the cross was hollow. Why do you carry a cross that is so terribly heavy?” Mr. Lang drew himself up to his full height and replied with compelling dignity and rebuke, “Sir, if I did not feel the weight of his cross, I could not play his part.”
The Lord wants to do great things in your life, but you must be willing to sacrifice your goals for God’s glory.
Praise Jesus that when we live for Him, we are blessed.
“Leadership is an act of submission to God. To be a leader means listening to all kinds of people and situations. Out of that listening, we are hoping to discern the mind of God as best we can. This is the price of leadership – it’s an act of sacrifice. So leadership is part and parcel of the work of submission to God.” – Richard Foster
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” – Ephesians 4:1