Sacrifice

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1

Pat grew up in a tight-knit family, deeply treasuring his bonds of friendship. People were his passion. His gift was athleticism, which he channelled into football in high school. Despite his small stature, Pat received a scholarship to play college football, earning accolades as the Pac-10 defensive player of the year and Arizona State’s MVP. He graduated with honors in less than 4 years.

In 1998, he joined the NFL, realizing his dream of playing the game he loved while earning an impressive salary. Yet, 8 months after 9/11, Pat chose a different path, enlisting in the U.S. Army. Leaving behind his NFL career and the associated wealth, he joined the elite Army Rangers.

Pat Tillman paid the ultimate price in service to his country, killed in action on April 22, 2004, in Afghanistan near the Pakistan border.

SACRIFICE

Today, we remember the individuals who gave their “last full measure” to ensure our freedom. We must honor these men and women, remembering their stories and their courage. Each of them said “yes” to a calling, a “yes” that led to their sacrifice.

Consider their commitment, their “yes”, and express your gratitude. Remember that “yes” always comes with a cost. These brave individuals gave their lives for our freedom. Our way to honor them and our Father is to offer our lives as living sacrifices.

Living sacrifices are those who give of themselves continually, every second, minute, hour, day, week… We are alive, living in freedom, able to be these living sacrifices. The legacies of those who came before us guide us on our path to live selfless lives of “living sacrifice.”

Today, remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Honor them by being a living sacrifice. Remember, “yes” always comes with a cost.

STOP.

Reflect. Express your gratitude. Ask the Father for courage to become a living sacrifice. Consider what that means for you today.

What thought, attitude, or action needs to die in order for you to live as a sacrifice? Ask the Father for the courage to be strong and become a living sacrifice.

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.” John 3:16