Were you as amazed at the performances of the athletes at the 2016 summer Olympics as I was? These mere mortals acted like superheroes! They roared down the track at breakneck speed. They flew through the air and landed unharmed. They swam like dophins being chased by great white sharks! I was absolutely glued to the television after dinner watching the feats of these incredible human beings.
How did they become such spectacular athletes? The unheralded backstory of each helps you understand the countless hours they have spent in the gymnasium, swimming pool, track, range, etc. They have focused on the prize of a medal at the Olympics and they know the sacrifice they must make to obtain it. Many have sacrificed social events, proms, dating, junk food, and so much more. They have broken bones in their pursuit of perfection. Their parents have chauffeured them, paid a fortune for lessons, costumes, and training, and ordered their lives around them. Their investment in their son or daughter is significant. Why do they do it? The prize set before them!
So, too, for you and me. We, too, have a prize we are running for and, just like them, we know there is no victory without sacrifice! There is no victory over an addiction, a fractured marriage, or intergenerational sin without sacrifice. Consider that Jesus could not experience the victory of the resurrection without enduring the sacrifice of the crucifixion. Many want the victory but are unwilling to pay the price of sacrifice to obtain it. It doesn’t work that way. Sacrifice ALWAYS precedes victory.
Sacrifice is costly. In the Old Testament, when a worshiper sacrificed a lamb or a goat, it was the best of his flock and could have been sold for a considerable profit. Sacrifice will cost you time, money, your selfishness, your sinful habits, your sinful thoughts, your lack of communication, your lack of intentionality, your shallow spirituality, and your lack of ambition. Sacrifice is the price tag of change. The price is worth it! Remember the adage of the exercise gurus, “No pain, No gain!” It is true when it comes to gaining the victory, no pain, no gain.
Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).
He paid the price and won the victory! So can we!
Irv