Self-Sacrificing

After the 1992 National Basketball Association All-Star Game, the Most Valuable Player trophy was awarded to Magic Johnson, and he dedicated part of the trophy to teammate Tim Hardaway.

That season, Hardaway played great and was voted into the All-Star Game as a starter. Magic was also voted into the game despite having to retire before the season when he discovered he carried the HIV virus. Hardaway gave his starting spot to Magic to honor the legend. Hardaway still had a decent game, but Magic won the trophy.

Part of living for Jesus is giving up what we desire for the benefit of God’s work and others. Jesus is our primary example of this. In Matthew 4, after fasting in the wilderness for 40 days, Jesus was visited by Satan. Satan sought to foil God’s plan by tempting Jesus to use His divine power and even to worship Satan. In return, Satan would let Jesus rule the world. But Jesus would not fold! His plan was God’s plan, which was to go to the cross for our sins.

That plan was for us – to free us from sin’s bondage. That freedom is available to all of us. If you have never sought the freedom only available through Jesus, talk to someone about it today. If you have, remember what He did for you. His self-sacrifice was for our benefit and His glory.

Let us lay down our desires so He can rule in our hearts and in our service to others.