By Pr. Rhoda Klein Miller
It would be challenging to find a parent, teacher or healthcare professional who couldn’t tell you a story about personal sacrifice. In some roles it’s simply necessary in order to meet one’s responsibilities. Pushing the limits of personal comfort and giving extra time and effort for the sake of others’ well-being is usually motivated by deep love or commitment to a cause. Unfortunately selfless service can sometimes mean self care is neglected. Is this what God wants from us? I think Paul’s message to the Romans might offer some insight: “Brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, present your bodies as a living sacrifice—holy, and pleasing to God—which is your reasonable service.” Take note of the predicate adjective LIVING. In the Old Testament the sacrificial offerings were brought to the altar dead representing Jesus who would give up His life for us. With the greatest act of selfless love demonstrated on the cross, our offerings ever since are to be presented in the vibrancy of new life. When motivated by love and gratitude sacrificial living for the Christian should awaken feelings of joy, delight, honour and fulfillment rather than depletion and misery. The Sabbath commandment supports that call to find balance between labour and rest for self-care and recovery. Scripture also gives us wise counsel to help set priorities and boundaries. Our bodies need adequate sleep, rest, exercise, diet, and relaxation (Ex. 20:8–11; Pss. 4:8; 3:5; 46:10; 127:2; Mark 6:31). Neglect of self care leads to our physical, spiritual, and emotional damage which also negatively impacts others and undermines our Christian witness. Finally, remember that God invites our partnership through sacrifice for the purpose of multiplication not a subtraction. The boy who surrendered his snack to Jesus did not starve but was fed along with thousands and took home leftovers. The widow’s offering of her last 2 coins was a gift that inspired generosity for generations.