Sacrificial Service and the True Value of Giving
Understanding the Essence of Sacrificial Service
What value is there to our acts of sacrificial service? Do our church-related duties really cost us anything? In a Western world context, would we be able to recognize and understand the concept of sacrificial service?
As I contemplated these questions, God led me to James 2.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (James 2:18-26, ESV)
This passage has been used to motivate many believers to fulfill their role of service in the Body of Christ. This can be a good thing. However, the two examples given in this passage as deeds weren’t the typical Christian service options that you find on a sign-up list in the foyer.
Lessons from Abraham and Rahab’s Sacrificial Service
Think about it. Abraham didn’t sacrifice his morning of sleeping in to make coffee in the hospitality room. As a prostitute, Rahab probably wouldn’t even be allowed to make coffee in most churches!
Both of these examples of works were about people who gave up something of worth, they had to sacrifice.
Abraham had to give up his son Isaac. He made a massive sacrifice to serve God. But there was no large crowd at the altar to see Abraham’s commitment level. There was no opportunity to boast about his personal service to the Lord.
He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. (Genesis 22:2-3, ESV)
Rahab, who was in the business of satisfying selfish desires, risked her life to protect and help God’s people. At the time, she would have been killed if word had hit the streets that she was helping the enemy.
But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. And she said, “True, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. (Joshua 2:4, ESV)
Reflecting on Our Own Sacrificial Service
The bottom line is that both examples of service found in James involved potential sacrifices of life. We’d be wise to take note of that fact when we consider our attitude being scheduled again for children’s ministry or asked to help set up for an event or activity.
In the history of God’s people, these are mildly sacrificial works of faith. Please understand that I’m not saying that these acts of service are trivial. In truth, they are beneficial to the ministry and mission of your local church.
That being said, without some level of sacrifice, at least in our mindset while serving, we risk becoming apathetic or bitter when scheduled to serve, or proud and self-centred about our acts of service.
Remember James 2:24, underscoring the importance of sacrificial service in our faith journey.
You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. (James 2:24, ESV)
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- Within your local church, which acts of service carry with them some form of sacrifice?
- How can we ensure our service remains humble and not a source of pride?
- What are some personal examples of sacrificial service you’ve witnessed or experienced?
