“[Jesus] who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” (Philippians 2:6,7)
Every one of us knows firsthand what it is like to make sacrifices. We have all delayed or surrendered some comfort at one time or another for the good of others. For example, parents sacrifice time and money for the good of their children. Some of you drive many miles out of your way on a Sunday morning to bring a friend to church. Others have deliberately gone into harm’s way to rescue someone in danger. You have probably given up a free afternoon to visit a friend who is hurting. If you stop to think about it, you will be able to recall many times when you sacrificially served others – and when others did the same for you.
Whenever we make sacrifices like this we are following the example of our Savior. Of course, when we think of the sacrifice of Jesus we first think of the cross, but we should not forget the sacrifice of the incarnation. Consider for a moment what Jesus gave up to come and live a life on earth He was seated at the right hand of God in glory and left that position to put on a mortal body. He gave up a position of authority to become a servant; he left heaven to enter a fallen world. Even after leaving his heavenly throne, Jesus could have chosen an easier life, but he suffered thorugh cold nights with little sleep and no place to call home. There were days without food and crowds of demanding people when he was tired. He continuously served those around him.
The differences between the sacrificial life of Jesus and our own “sacrifices” are vast, both in magnitude and scope. Jesus left heaven, to save the entire world – an impossible standard for us to replicate. Even so, our efforts to serve are pleasing to God; we are supposed to imitate our Savior in this way. Our individual efforts, though small, are still meaningful to those whom we serve.
Not only that, but we are not alone in this. The sacrificial living of the entire body of Christ can reach the entire world. As each member of the church imitates Jesus the impact of the church as a whole increases. As we remember the birth of Christ, let us also remember the sacrificial service of Jesus’ entire life and become inspired again to imitate Jess in this way.
In October donations to missionary support funds paid for 52 percent of all support expenses; $42,719 was used from the General Fund to supplement missionary allowances and $36,240 was used from the Estate Fund to supplement benefit expenses for the month.
Thank you for your ongoing support!