Living the sacrificial Life;
The idea of sacrifice seems alien, out of date, and undesired in a society where self-gratification is the mantra.
However, the Bible exhorts believers to become living sacrifices as well as to understand sacrifice.
Daily offering ourselves on the altar of God, not in death, but in continuous,
willing surrender.
I mean it takes a lot for the believer to be “dead, yet alive”
And no matter how much it is said, it is better experienced than told.
For only then, can true life be ministered, for the ministration of life is not possible if one doesn’t die daily😰
Hence, we become like men who no longer live their lives for themselves
For somehow, though not palatable, has allowed the HolyGhost government.
While the Old Testament sacrifices involved the shedding of animal blood,
In the New Testament, the believer is called to a more profound sacrifice—the sacrifice of self.
It is this kind of sacrifice that transforms lives, sharpens spiritual authority, and fuels revival.
Many times as believers, we want God’s blessings and bounties,
We want God to whisk a magical wand and all our problems vanishes but on the other hand,
We don’t want to become living sacrifices!!
Seeming as we want to benefit from God, without caring if God will gain in us.
We are quick to cast aspersions on “people who use people” but we ourselves “are using God”
We forget that a man will most definitely reap what he sowed
If you “use God”, men will use you!!
The altar is a place of daily death, I don’t like to be there 😰
But nonetheless I am there, because that is only when the heavens can profit from my life.
Characteristics of a Living Sacrifice
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your
bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” — Romans 12:1
Living the sacrificial Life; The altar is not a place of convenience, but of obedience.
It is not a place of negotiation, but of total surrender.
In the Old Testament, sacrifices were offered on the altar as burnt offerings, sin offerings, peace offerings, and grain offerings.
Each carried symbolism, but all involved something of value being placed before God.
Today, God is not asking for bulls or goats, but for our lives—our ambitions, desires, and bodies.
“Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened.
For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” — 1 Corinthians 5:7
The foundation of the Christian life is Christ’s sacrifice for us.
Therefore, in response, we offer ourselves as sacrifices to Him.
It is that pain that we are feeling that makes it a living sacrifice. Apostle Edu Udechukwu
Characteristics of a Living Sacrifice; Living the Sacrificial Life
It Is Voluntary
God will never force anyone onto the altar. A living sacrifice climbs willingly.
It is your choice
“No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself.” — John 10:18
Jesus, our model, willingly laid down His life.
Likewise, we must offer ourselves not because we are coerced, but out of love.
Yes, I know that it is not an easy road, but then is there any other way life can be administered outside of death?
It Is Ongoing
Unlike dead sacrifices that are offered once, a living sacrifice is a continuous act.
Every day presents fresh opportunities to surrender our flesh, will, desires, and ambitions.
It Is Holy and Acceptable
God does not accept blemished sacrifices.
Our offering must be holy—set apart, purified, and pleasing to Him.
This means refusing to live like the world while claiming to belong to God.
Sometimes in refusing to live like the world, you might have to stand alone for long without the thought of compromise.
That’s why, a little bit a departure no matter how insignificant we think is a build up to something unimaginable.
The Altar as a Place of Transformation; Living the Sacrificial Life
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” — Romans 12:2
Living the sacrificial life; True transformation happens on the altar.
The fire of the altar consumes what is impure and refines what is pure.
Without the altar experience, as believers we remain conformed to the world.
Meaning that there will exactly be no difference or disparity between the two.
But on the altar, God reshapes, renews, and transforms us into vessels fit for His use.
Sometimes, we serve God with mixed motives—selfish ambition, personal gain, or validation.
The altar exposes and purges those wrong motives.
It is obvious that the flesh has desires that oppose the Spirit.
But here is our utmost hope, at the altar, our carnal desires die, and godly desires are birthed.
Paul said: “I die daily.” — 1 Corinthians 15:31
Hence, this daily death of self is where the Spirit gains full control, and the believer walks in victory.
The Cost of Living Sacrificially; Living the Sacrificial Life
The Cost of Reputation
A life on the altar may lead to ridicule, misunderstanding, and rejection.
However, for each time we layout lives on the altar, glory will follow suit.
I used to wonder why Moses chose to suffer with the people of God rather than enjoy the pleasures of Egypt.
I mean he would have been prominent in Egypt, if he didn’t then, there must be something he encountered
And was willing to stake his entire life and comfort in pursuing it.
Be it known that sacrifice will always cost us our reputation before men.
But we are assured that whatever was lost will be regained double fold!!
The Cost of Comfort
The altar is not a place of comfort. It demands that we leave our comfort zones, and entitlements behind.
Hence, living sacrificially means letting go of the steering wheel of our life.
We no longer dictate the terms—God does.
Living the sacrificial life, though costly, the sacrificial life is also the most rewarding life.
It is worthy of note that the act of surrender opens the door to deeper intimacy with God.
Making it possible for those who live on the altar to carry authority in the Spirit.
Because they have become God’s trusted vessels.
How to Live the Sacrificial Life Daily
Before the day begins, present yourself anew to God and be willing to let go of anything
God asks you to surrender—be it a relationship, career path, habit, or dream.
Most times, we might think it is easy to surrender and are quick to sing “I surrender” until God demands “our Isaac”
Yes quite heart-rending, but if God can succeed in bringing us to surrender.
Every other thing will be added!! Until then .. nothing yet
Additionally, never forget to quickly repent of areas where self has crept back onto the throne of your heart.
A seat designated only for the HolyGhost and His government.
Also, surround yourself with fellow sacrificers. This helps to keep the fire on the alter burning.
Find those who will encourage you to stay on the altar.
Conclusion
The call to be a living sacrifice is the heartbeat of authentic Christianity.
It is a life that embraces the altar daily, allowing the fire of God to purify, consume, and transform.
Because we are in a world that seeks self-exaltation, God is seeking those who will humble themselves, die to self, and live fully for His glory.
It is not an easy place to be yes! But it is very possible!
Let us therefore climb the altar daily knowing that in dying, we truly live.
“He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” — Matthew 10:39
You can check the article walking in the fullness of your calling
