Sacrifice

{Continuing my theme of Sunday thought topics}

Ian gave a talk in Primary several months ago on the topic of sacrifice.  One of the points basically said sacrifice is when you give up something you want in exchange for something you need.  {Yes, I know he didn't write the talk himself, and that his parents helped him formulate it.  I like how everyone has a chance to contribute, though, and even a 5 year old can speak to his peers of gospel principles!}

To me there are a couple of points buried in there.

1. Sacrifice involves reprioritizing and scrapping things which are good for things that are better.

I sometimes retell the story of a man who engaged me in discussion my first week as a missionary on the streets of Dunstable.  I told him I was sacrificing a couple of years to come teach/preach of Christ, and he said "Do you want to be here?"  then "Do you expect to get anything out of it?"  At my answers, he confidently declared that I wasn't sacrificing because I anticipated some benefit from my investment, even if it were to my character.  He had a point, to some degree.  My sacrifice had more breadth than simply surrendering my time as an offering to God.  I expected my efforts to have an outcome!  Consider this verse through a modern prophet, on the purpose of sacrifice: 

“I have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy.  For if ye will not abide in my covenant ye are not worthy of me” (D&C 98:14–15; emphasis added).

The result, though not stated explicitly here is worthy of dwelling with God and Christ.

2. Sacrifice these days seems easier than it did centuries ago.

In moments of quiet reflection, I have thought about this principle-- do I have such conviction that I would face death, as in the verse above, to stand for the things of my heart?  I don't anticipate ever having this as a real exercise, as our nation is {mostly} stable and such violence is almost unheard of anymore, but I still wonder, do I have the spiritual stamina of a martyr?  I suppose the point is that our conviction to Christ must be equal to that of those who will give the seemingly irreplaceable to be truly "worthy."  Tall order, isn't it?

To bring it closer to home (cause it's tough to think life/death situations in the abstract), if I apply it more to a realistic scenario, is there something I have that's irreplaceable that I would willingly give to keep a personal covenant with the Savior?  Money is replaceable, as are most things money can buy.  There are some things money can't buy, such as photos, journals, creative works, and intangibles like memories, experiences, and relationships.  I think it would take some convincing to give some of these irreplaceables, but I consider Jesus to be a fairly convincing fellow.  

On an even more basic level, I would benefit from thinking more often, "Is there something I can give right now that will be of ultimate benefit to the Lord?"  or "What can I do to make a positive difference?"  It's sometimes hard to think this way, because the answer is almost always yes.

3. There may be a balance to find in defining worthy sacrifices.

I once knew a man who was so selfless and compassionate, he would give even when he was lacking, and place a burden upon himself rather than having someone else carry the burden.  I asked him about it, with regard to him splitting his food budget with panhandlers.  He reminded me of how blessed he had been , and that he was confident that he would get by.  I didn't have much of a retort to that.

Is there such a thing as giving too much?  I don't know a good answer to this, but can think of some scenarios where giving could cause a problem.  a) Blood donation: there's a reason the Red Cross only wants your blood every 8 weeks.  b) Missing work without leave to serve others (jeopardizing employment), c) When obligations as a parent or spouse go unmet due to something "lesser", even if it is "greater" than many others, d) Neglecting self-care in exchange for working for and stressing over others.  There is a rejuvenation promised to those who give which will help fill the void, and provide a means for continued giving.  If someone is sacrificing to the extent that their family relationships, financial reserves, health, and prospects of providing for himself are unsustainable, then YES, there is an imbalance.  We cannot be of service to the Lord if our "well" has run dry.

4. Giving is a Godly Characteristic.

Think of it.  Heavenly Father gave his firstborn Son to mockery, scorn, and suffering.  He allowed his Son to give himself as an offering for sin.  From a modern prophet: 

“Without sacrifice there is no true worship of God. … ‘The Father gave his Son, and the Son gave his life,’ and we do not worship unless we give—give of our substance, … our time, … strength, … talent, … faith, … [and] testimonies” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 565)

Good LDS talks:  On the symbolism of sacrifice.  On three ways to let sacrifice help us follow the Savior: teaching our families, giving to the poor and needy, and sharing ourselves in missionary work.

President Hinckley taught a grand truth when he said: “It is not a sacrifice to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is never a sacrifice when you get back more than you give. It is an investment, … a greater investment than any. … Its dividends are eternal and everlasting” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 567–68)

In some ways sacrifice is a paradox: If I give everything I have, then in the end, I will have given enough.  Will there be anything left?  YES, because it will be apportioned back because of obedience to that law.