A Holy and Living Sacrifice

Sacrifice is one of those religious-y words that makes most of us break out into a cold sweat.  It’s an idea that is easily abused to shame and guilt people into actions they’d otherwise not make— “I know you’re busy, but we all have to make sacrifices, and I really think God is wanting you to …” blah blah blah.  If we’ve been on the receiving end of this emotional manipulation, sacrifice might be the last thing you want to think about.

Yet every time we have communion, there’s one curious line.  As we are giving thanks for what Jesus has done for us, we say, “We offer ourselves as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us.”  So what do we mean when we say these words?  Are we being hypocrites?  Does the idea of sacrifice still have something of benefit to offer us?  Is there any way to understand sacrifice in our lives in a way that is living, that actually gives us a rich, healthy, and satisfying life?

This May, we’ll think about what it means to give in a way that requires sacrifice.  What does love ask of us?  What role do healthy boundaries play in meaningful lives?  What gifts suck the life out of us, and what gifts fill us with joy and purpose?  If giving is part of a joyful life, then maybe there are times when we’re happy to make sacrifices.  Can we redeem this term from the ways it has been abused?

Join us in Sunday worship, May 3 to 17, at 9:30 and 11:00 am.