Sacrifice: God's Supreme Service

When Christ called His disciples to follow Him, He did not offer them flattering prospects in this life. He gave them no promises of worldly gain or honor, nor did he make any stipulations as to what they should receive. To Matthew, as he sat at the tax collection, the Savior said, “Follow me.” “And he left everything and arose and followed him.” Mateus did not wait, before providing the service, to demand a salary equivalent to the amount received in his former occupation. Without doubt or hesitation, he followed Jesus. It was enough for him to be with the Savior, to hear His words, and to join Him in His work.

The same happened with the disciples called previously. When Jesus made Peter and his companions follow him, they immediately left their boats and nets. Some of these disciples had friends who depended on them for support; but when they received the Savior’s invitation, they did not hesitate to ask: “How should I live and support my family?” They were obedient to the call; and when, later, Jesus asked them: “When I sent you without bags, without sandals, did you have nothing?” They might respond, “Nothing.”

Today, the Savior calls us, just as He called Matthew, John and Peter to His work. If our hearts are touched by His love, the question of compensation will not be at the forefront of our minds. We will rejoice to be co-workers with Christ and will not be afraid to trust in His care. If we make God our strength, we will have clear conceptions of duty and altruistic aspirations; our life will be guided by a noble purpose, which will elevate us above sordid motives.

Many who profess to be followers of Christ have anxious and troubled hearts because they are afraid to trust God fully. They do not make a complete surrender to Him, for they shrink from the consequences that such surrender may involve. Unless you make that surrender, you cannot find peace. There are many whose hearts are burdened with anxiety because they seek to reach the world standard. Worry is blind and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty, He has a prepared way to bring relief. “He will withhold no good thing from those who walk uprightly.”

Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to support us that we know nothing about. Those who accept the single principle of making the service of God supreme will find perplexities disappearing and a simple path before their feet.

Trusting God provides a new perspective on difficulties. Instead of seeing situations just as problems, we can see them as opportunities for growth and learning. Prayer and trust in God can guide our decisions in times of uncertainty. Trust in God brings hope, even in the most challenging situations. It reminds us that difficulties are temporary and that trusting God does not mean that difficulties will disappear, but rather that we will have the strength and resilience necessary to face them. This confidence helps us maintain hope and a positive outlook, regardless of the circumstances.