We often hear a lot about the importance of sacrifice in relationships and what it means to die to ourselves for the person we love. But what about those times when God calls us to sacrifice what we want in order to receive something better? There are moments when He tells us to let go of what feels comfortable and familiar, and deep down, we know those things aren’t helping us to grow. It’s like a pacifier—something that provides temporary comfort but ultimately prevents us from maturing. Think about how challenging it can be to wean a child off a pacifier, for both the child and the parent. A pacifier may seem like an insignificant thing, but to the child, it’s a source of security and comfort. There are things that we, as adults, feel this way about as well. We hold onto things that make us feel secure and comfortable, and God may call us to give up those things to make room for something greater.
Sometimes, we cling to our careers and jobs, and consider them to be our security rather than the security we have in Christ. Similarly, many people place all their attention and focus on the significant person in their lives, robbing God of the attention He deserves. There are also individuals who are refusing to grow spiritually because they’re afraid of change, and they are unwilling to let go of the same routines and habits they’ve indulged for many years. We hold so tightly to the things of this world because we fear being without them, but this can prevent us from embracing the transformation God desires in our lives. 1 John 2:15-17 (NLT) tells us, “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you. For when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.”
We can be easily distracted by the world and the pleasure it offers, but make no mistake, sacrifice is necessary for followers of Christ. We simply must let some things go; they are no longer useful to our journey forward. Our time is limited on earth, and we are obligated to be about our Father’s business. Focusing on Him and His Kingdom is where the real rewards are. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) tells us, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” God has planned good works for each of us to accomplish, and the truth of this verse lets us know that we have a purpose in His Will. There will come a point in all our lives where we must step outside our comfort zones to grow more in Christ and to be the blessing to others in the way that God has planned.
Jesus teaches in Matthew 16:24 (NLT), “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” Sacrifice, letting go of certain things, is a necessary part of spiritual growth. The reason it feels uncomfortable to many of us is because we cling so tightly to what’s familiar. For instance, most of us are taught very early on to hold tightly to our money. People who selfishly buy into this make all kinds of excuses not to tithe, but God commands us to sow into His Kingdom. He tells in Malachi 3:10 (NLT), “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!” Because people don’t seek God’s Word to understand this blessing, they come up with a thousand different excuses why they are not obligated to obey Him on tithing. However, tithing is one of the greatest privileges we have as believers. We should put God to the test and see how He blesses when we are obedient to His command.
Acts 20:35 (NLT) tells us that Jesus Christ taught, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Sowing into God’s Kingdom opens the door to receiving greater blessings. We do ourselves a great disservice when we rob God and cling to the security of money.
Society often promotes an “on the double” attitude, as if we’re entitled to have what we want when we want it. But the truth is, we can’t have everything we desire on our timetable—it’s a myth. As followers of Christ, we are called to adopt a different attitude, desiring only what God wants for us. Sacrificing what we want or what makes us comfortable is never easy, especially when it means stepping into the unknown. It’s true that sometimes, it requires leaving behind certain relationships, habits, or even people, so that God can do His deepest work in us. Jesus taught his disciples the importance of surrendering our own desires for something far greater. In Matthew 6:33 (NLT), he says, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” When we let go of our own plans and embrace God’s Will, He promises to provide for us in ways that are beyond what we could imagine.
Sacrifice is an essential part of the Christian journey, and it’s often in the moments of discomfort and release that we experience the greatest spiritual growth. Whether it’s our careers, relationships, or security—to step into the fullness of God’s plans for our lives, sometimes we must step outside our comfort zones. While it may seem hard at first, what we stand to gain is far better than the sacrifices we’ve made. When we surrender our own desires and align ourselves with our Heavenly Father’s Will, we open ourselves to the blessings He has in store for us. As we take that leap of faith, and seek to grow more like Christ, we become the people He desires us to be. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Sacrifice for Better”, written by KLizzie, edited by Reverend Fran Mack, for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2025. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.