The concept of sacrifice has been around certainly as long as mankind has been able to write about it, and can be found in many incarnations, throughout the old and new Testaments of the Bible. Nor does it speak only to that most archaic manifestation of the concept of sacrifice, having to do with altars. Psalm 40, verse 6 reads, “Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire.” The words, here, are King David’s and are considered to speak to the concept of sacrifice as an act done for others, and more specifically of it needing to be heartfelt. That is performing deeds that are a sacrifice of one’s time, talents, or resources, while desirable acts, can not be considered sacrifices, in the purest sense, if one’s heart is not in it. David was noting that the citizenry he saw every day, while doing “good” acts of charity and self-sacrifice, were often merely going through the motions, making them technical sacrifices, but less than pleasing to God. The idea is still valid today. As we do those things that are not necessarily what we wish to do, things we know we should do, it’s easy to grunt and groan, or mope, our way through, rather than giving it our best shot, by seeking out the joy in the act of giving of ourselves. King David’s words may be an echo from an ancient time, but they still ring true today.
Key Points of Video:
- 1You sometimes do something even though it’s not expected of you.
- 2Your heart must be in it so you’re not simply going through the motions.
- 3You may not be able to control everything but you can control your attitude.
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