Sacrifice: an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy.
Giving up something valued…
“Giving up” can have a negative or positive meaning.
We can give up on things that are important or worthy because we do not find value in them.
In the story of Samson, he made a commitment to not cut his hair to God. This was an important sacrifice for Samson because it gave him strength over his enemy.
Samson forgot the value of his commitment when he fell in love with Deliah. After Deliah begged Samson to tell her where did his strength come from, Samson eventually told her.
The sacrifice Samson made for God he turned around and gave it to Deliah. He valued his relationship with Deliah over his relationship with God.
. . .
Maybe there is a sacrifice being made but perhaps it is an easier sacrifice we are giving to God.
The story of Cain and Able is an example of giving an easier sacrifice.
These are brothers so I imagine they were already competitive. In their story, Cain was a farmer and Able was a shepherd. Both brothers gave of their produce as a sacrifice to the Lord.
God favored Able because of his sacrifice.
Able sacrifice without a doubt took more work and was very unpleasant. Able sacrifice something had to die.
What are we sacrificing? Does it have worth?
The things we struggle with giving up the most are the very things we need to give up the most.
Book recommendation: Atomic Habit
Bible Recommendation: Cultural Background Study Bible
Podcast recommendation: https://wickedorwise.com