SACRIFICE AND SELF-DENIAL 

Carey Madding 

Today's Scripture: “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” Matthew 16:24, ESV 

Theme: Growth requires sacrifice. Following Jesus often means choosing what is right over what is easy. 

SPOILER ALERT 

If you haven't yet seen the movie McFarland USA and still plan to, skip this whole paragraph! It is impossible to miss the theme of sacrifice running throughout the last half of the movie. There are the boys’ moms who offer hospitality to the outsiders (the White family), then spend all day cooking tamales for a fund-raising event. There are fathers, stubbornly opposed to the idea of a team sport having any value. In fact, their decision to allow their sons to run and compete literally costs them labor and income, but they relent and support them. They even take a day off from picking the crops to attend the state finals! The White family chose to sacrifice prestige, better income, upward mobility, and possibly their safety to remain committed to this community and these boys. Danny, seeing his team will lose the meet if he does not step up to the challenge, leaves every bit of himself on that course. He runs like he never has before and brings home the win. 

SACRIFICE YOUR RIGHTS 

One sacrifice that was hard for me to watch was Coach White’s refusal to be riled up or respond to insults directed at his boys. Though he came to McFarland as a last resort after his anger issues had gotten him fired, he showed incredible restraint each time he or his boys encountered racial slurs. As I watched the movie, my sense of justice boiled over; I wanted him to rebuke these other coaches and teams. Yet Coach White responded as Jesus commanded. He turned the other cheek. 

So often, we think of denying ourselves as laying down our lives, offering the ultimate sacrifice. Yet most of us will never have that opportunity. We must deny ourselves daily, loving others as we love ourselves. Obeying Jesus means not demanding what we prefer, lashing back, or seeking success over purpose. The daily choice to act and think as Jesus commanded rather than as our flesh desires – these are the ways to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Jesus. This is the way to obtain a truly abundant life.  

Make It Personal: Do you, like me, think of denying yourself as some major sacrifice that might someday be required? Are there daily sacrifices that you refuse to see or accept? Begin to look and see how Jesus might be calling you to act and love as He does, every day, in typical situations. Decide today to obey in small ways. Listen for the Spirit’s urging. He will speak if you pray and tell Him you are willing! 

Pray: Lord God, I want to be willing. And I want to start today. Speak to me and lead me, Spirit. Help me to sense Your urgings and give me the power to hold back my flesh nature, deny myself what comes most naturally, and behave in a manner that honors Jesus. Today, I lay down my life as I lay down my wants and my rights. I give them to You. I love You and thank You for giving Your life for me. In Your Name I pray. Amen. 

Read: Matthew 16:24-26, Luke 6:28-30, John 10:9-10 

Weekly Memory Verse: “Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. 1 John 2:9-10, ESV