Jesus calls His disciples to sacrificial living – denying self, taking up the cross daily, and following Him. To deny ourselves in various ways each day helps us develop and display sacrificial living. The cross was God’s will for Jesus and meant sacrificial death for Him. Taking up one’s cross means sacrificial death to our "old selves" as we follow God’s will. Families of believers, are we ALL IN? Do we live sacrificially as Christ followers, obeying God’s will, and denying ourselves?
Romans 12:1-2 calls us to live sacrificially, pleasing God by Holy living, being in The Word, and not conforming to worldly patterns. When we are renewed daily through scripture study, we discover God’s will. Paul continues this theme in Ephesians 5:15: to live wisely, understanding God’s will. Spirit-filled, wise lives are shown by our speech and songs, bringing harmony to those around us. Is that how your house sounds? Are melodies and thankfulness displayed through sacrificial living in your home?
Very early in history, God gave us a pattern for families to be "ALL IN". Deuteronomy 6:4-7 instructs believers to make learning God’s Word a natural part of living life. Living in this century requires sacrifice to cut off technology, television, and "game time" in order to teach patterns of spiritual living in our homes.
The "ALL IN" harmony continues in Ephesians 5:21, giving us a key to sacrificial living in our homes: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." Utilizing this verse as a foundation, families can be "ALL IN" as they sacrifice pride for the purpose of sacrificial living.
In essence Ephesians 5:21 tells us to see who can "out serve" the other in honor of Jesus. Look for ways today to live sacrificially in your house. Before anyone asks… put up the dishes, hang up clothes, clean out the car, or walk the dog. Maybe today you will turn off the tech a little more and sing a song of praise or thanksgiving before a meal or at bedtime.
PRAYER: LORD, you call us to holiness and harmony in our homes. Help us to make the most of every opportunity to live wisely and worshipfully in our homes. May we follow Jesus’ example and the Father’s plan to live sacrificially. May our family be "ALL IN" to out-serve one another sacrificially. In Jesus Name.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7, Ephesians 5:15-6:4, Romans 12:1-2, Luke 9:23
-sue mcalister
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