The Old Testament sacrifices were a sweet, pleasant aroma to Jehovah God. It cost the givers. It cost the animal’s life. It was a service, a worship to God.

Jesus said that a friend will lay down his life for a friend. We tend to think of this as physically dying for that friend. That rarely happens. It isn’t usually required of us. That kind of sacrifice can mean something quite ordinary. 

What does happen frequently are everyday chances to lay down our time, our plans, and our listening.

My life laid down as a sacrifice will be a sweet aroma to Him. Laying down my life for the most part isn’t dying physically. It is saying no to self. Crucifying the flesh as described in Romans 6.

When my day is interrupted by a friend or family member who needs me I sacrifice that time for them. I think the opportunities we miss frequently are in our own homes. In reality, our home is our first mission field.

When I don’t want to do something God is urging me to do, I lay down my life to obey God.

Daily and maybe hourly, we are called to sacrifice our life for a friend or family member and in the process we are serving God. Doesn’t that change the whole perspective?

Self always wants to dominate. It wants its way. It doesn’t want to be bothered. But, we must be dead to self. We must recognize it as the enemy. Not to be coddled or entertained. It will take us down. It will steal opportunities to serve our Lord Jesus. 

I am given opportunities to lay down my life for a friend or family member. Opportunities such as listening with undivided attention, helping, doing for them instead of me. Sacrificing my time and efforts, etc.

Every time. Every occasion is an opportunity to lay down my life. To serve my Lord. What a joy it is to serve Him and to sense Him smiling down on me. Life looks different when we are doing as unto the Lord. 

Let’s give joyfully so the aroma will be pleasant and sweet and not grudgingly which produces a bad smell.

Eternal God, may we see what a privilege it is to serve You by sacrificing our lives for others. Amen non

Words to light your path this week-

Hebrews 13:16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.  ESV

Philippians 4:18 …having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a  sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. ESV

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. ESV

Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have  opportunity, let us  do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. ESV