God asks sacrifices of
us. These sacrifices are things that we have a choice to offer. He never forces
us to give but He delights in our obedience. God set the example of ultimate
sacrifice by offering us salvation through the death of His son. Because of what
Jesus has done for us, we can find the source of one of the most important
sacrifices God desires: the sacrifice of praise.
“Through him
[Jesus]then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is,
the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. (13:15)
Praising God may not
always come easy. We may not always “feel like” offering praises. We may be
dealing with sad, disheartening circumstances, fatigue, illness or depression.
In contrast, we may be too comfortable in how well our life seems to be going
to remember the source of our blessings. We may also just be too absorbed in
the routines and “busyness” of our life schedules to take time to praise Him.
But when we praise God, we keep our focus on the source of our hope, our
blessings and our purpose.
God wants us to have
giving hearts. When we give to others we show others the love of Christ.
Do not neglect to do
good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
(13:16)
God wants us to show
genuine interest in the wellbeing of others. To love as Christ loves means to
truly relate to what others are experiencing and to be supportive. Praying for
each other, spending time talking with each other and helping to bear each
other’s burdens strengthens the body of Christ.
“Let brotherly love
continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some
have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though
in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the
body.” (13:1-3)
In our modern times of
“instant gratification” and abundant temptations to increase our possessions or
social status, it can be hard to check our hearts and find contentment in what
we have and what our circumstances are. God wants to be our everything, more
desired than anything the world has to offer. The things of “this life” will
not be forever. God wants us to not become so attached to “this life” that we
miss the rewards of eternity with Him.
“Keep your life free
from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I
will never leave you nor forsake you."”(13:5)
Many think of
sacrificing as losing or giving up something which equates with sadness,
hardship, and difficulty but I don’t think that is what God has in mind. God
wants our sacrifices to ultimately be for our good and wellbeing as well as for
the benefit of others. He wants to help us and bless us in this process of
offering sacrifices pleasing to Him. “Now may the God of peace who
brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by
the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may
do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus
Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”(13:20-21)
I remember singing a
simple Doxology at the end of church services when I was a young girl.
Praise God from Whom
all blessings flow
Praise Him all
creatures here below
Praise Him above ye
heavenly host
Praise Father Son and
Holy Ghost.
It was such a simple
hymn of praise but I grew to treasure it. It always comforted me and lifted my
spirits to sing it. We can always start with something simple and small. A
simple prayer, a simple hymn, a visit with a friend, a phone conversation, a meal
to a grieving family, etc. Ask God to show you the sacrifices that will be
pleasing to Him.