When service becomes sacrifice …

What are some of the things you’ve been supplied with when starting a new position?

A uniform?

Cell phone?

Cubicle or office?

Laptop computer?

Company car?

Business cards?

Tools or equipment?

One of the most unique items issued to a beginner must go to American military personnel. When a person enlists in the military, part of their new gear includes “dog tags,” that small piece of metal with your personal identification stamped on it worn on a chain around the neck.

Military personnel are issued dog tags in anticipation they may give their lives in the carrying out of their new duties; the dog tags might be needed to identify the person who gave their life.

Have you ever started something with the anticipation that you may give your life doing it?

You did if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

When you are adopted by God into His family, you give up your life … for a new one. Gone is the old person, he or she has been buried with Christ and you have been raised into a whole new life (Col. 2:12). This new life is designed, and being equipped, to also be spent in the line of duty, that of an ambassador for Christ (2 Cor. 5:18-20).

The Apostle Paul served God to the point that it cost him his life. Paul encouraged us to have the same faithfulness in our service to God when he wrote, “But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy,” Philippians 2:17.

Are you pouring your life out as an ambassador for Christ? Or are you AWOL in the spiritual skirmish for the salvation of souls?

Scotty