Selfless – Self Sacrifice

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. Titus 2:11-14  

Jesus came to earth as a baby—small and helpless. But He was promised to us as a Savior. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:19-21. What a weight on Jesus’ little shoulders. The sin of all the world—but He took it willingly and gave up His life for us. Just as He prayed in Gethsemane, He did it. Luke 22:42, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8. Obedience was the key to Jesus’ selfless and self sacrificing actions.

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. 1 John 5:1. During this holy season, don’t consider what gift you’ll get or give, but consider Jesus’ sacrifice for you. That is your gift from the Heavenly Father. What will you give in return? May I suggest obedience?  

Training Tip – Obedience. It is a quality that can be taught by reward, although some children may need to learn it by punishment. Children have their own individual learning methods—and it is up to the parent to discover that method and help the child apply it. Along that same idea children also have a particular love language that is specific to them. The particular love languages are: Physical Touch, Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Gifts, and Acts of Service. Read the book, The 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell, for details that include parenting tips and guidance. We have to remember that children are children—they need parents (and grandparents to some extent) to love them unconditionally and to be responsible for them as they grow into mature and responsible adults.  

Lord Jesus—You are such an example of self sacrifice in Your obedience to Our Heavenly Father. Help us to be obedient, too. Not that we have to “go to the cross” like You did, but that we need to be willing to carry our cross, to be obedient and not seek to do our own will—but to do the Father’s will.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.