Of course, a life sacrificed for Christ on any level is going to hurt. Death to self inevitably will because it wars against our carnal nature.

But if we’re honest, don’t we want our sacrifices for Christ to be dramatic and seemingly meaningful and exponentially fruitful? 

Put us on a stage in Madison Square Garden and let us shine for You, Jesus. Send us to a far-off nation to serve, God. Build this charity today, Lord. These feel like “worthy” sacrifices. 

And nothing is wrong with wanting a “worthy” sacrifice for Jesus. This is a pure cry of the heart—to live a life wholly poured out for Jesus. Please, Father, bring this to pass.

But we don’t get to decide at what point our sacrifice is worthy.  

And as we grow into our sacrifices or as God prepares us for that next season of sacrifice, I suspect God has something for us in the small sacrifices that are right in front of us. 

The sacrifices that feel less purposeful or less impressive but no less require death to self. 

Perhaps Jesus wants to use a series of day-to-day sacrifices to chisel away at our first layers as He sanctifies us for the next, greater season of sacrifice. 

Be faithful with what’s in front of you, dear one. 

I don’t think it’s as easy as we think. 

“He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30.)

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.)

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.‘“ (Matthew 25:21.)