Prayerfully Re-Center Around God
Acts 7:59-60
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Pondering Point
For a week focused on living for God sacrificially, Stephen clearly fits in. But it does seem that his opportunity to serve sacrificially got shortened; then again, maybe not. He was “all in” in all ways.
Some people live a lot longer but never reach a place of sacrificial living, let alone getting to an “all in” level seen in the life and death of this first Christian martyr Stephen. But rather than being hard on ourselves comparatively, let’s ask a few questions about living sacrificially and prayerfully re-center our lives around God.
Sacrificial Living
Review the Week
Can you identify for what and how you make sacrifices? Who or what suffers for that which has become your master? (Think of the husband who bowls four nights a week while his wife and children are at home without him. Think of the wife who spends all of her energy on friends and outsiders and has none left for her husband and kids. Think of the gamer who spends hours trying to perfect a video challenge while other relationships and facets of living get ignored). Can you identify how and how often, how little, how much you sacrifice for God?
Repent (if necessary)
... for living sacrificially for masters other than God (health, wealth, position, self-image, glory, vengeance, etc.)
Return (as necessary)
Commit yourself to the One Master worthy of your worship and honor. With a nod to Jesus’ sacrificial inspiration, ask God to give you insight to live sacrificially in your situation.