I, along with thousands of others from our community, had the privilege of sacrificing some time and energy and money the other weekend to help in a small way alleviate the suffering in the drought-stricken Horn of Africa.
In a culture that is basically narcissistic and inclined to whining if we don’t get what we want when we want it, this was a heartening demonstration of giving.
My hope is that it will stir similar responses of generosity in the inevitable future crises both distant and in our own neighborhoods.
As I’ve contemplated this event, I’ve been reminded of a number of realities.
Most of us would be willing to sacrifice at least a bit for a family member or friend. We’ve all done it.
Giving a child an opportunity or some needed funds in place of the vacation we’d hoped for or the dinner out we’d planned.
Some of us would be willing to sacrifice for a cause — such as the famine relief fundraiser or giving to help after the Japan earthquake.
Causes, though they may be geographically far-removed and mostly relating to absolute strangers, carry a certain moral imperative.
So we contribute by sending a cheque or participating in an event. And (this is the cynic speaking) there’s the advantage that the cost to us is really fairly minimal.
Few of us would be willing to sacrifice our lives for a person or cause.
The cost of daily choosing to go with less or leaving the comforts of our culture or even literally giving our life for another is outside most of our consideration. Those who do go this route we hold up as heroes.
The nature of sacrifice is that it really does cost you something. The nature of real sacrifice is that it hurts.
This brings me to the fourth reality. Most of us would not consider for a moment the possibility of sacrificing for those who are against us – those who were an enemy. And if we did, it would certainly be under duress.
The amazing truth is that someone did sacrifice for us even though we stood opposed and rejected and even hated the mention of his name.
Our rightful lot was to be under justice and punishment, but his incredible love spoke instead.
The benefits of that sacrifice still stand today for all those willing to accept it. It’s a simple fifth reality: I cannot bear the weight of my own insignificance and failure and sin; I need to receive the sacrifice of Jesus Christ who took on himself that weight and gave His life for mine. If you haven’t already, would you consider being a recipient of that sacrifice today?
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Brian Robertson is a pastor with the Christian Resource Centre in Qualicum Beach.
