But the king said to Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it from you! I will not offer to the Lord my God burnt sacrifices that cost me nothing.” 2 Samuel 24:24
New English Translation
I’ve seen it several times. People being cheap with God. They come to the alter, their heart broken because they know something in their life is wrong, but when it comes to where they actually have to decide to give up something for God, they weasel around the issue and give up the least painful thing they can. However, a real sacrifice to God isn’t cheap, it isn’t easy.
See, when we sacrifice to God, we’re giving up something that is valuable to us, something that means something to us, but that God asked us to lay before Him. King David understood this concept when he went to make a guilt sacrifice. Araunah wanted to give him the land and the oxen for the sacrifice for no cost. But, David knew that a sacrifice that didn’t cost him anything wasn’t meaningful, wasn’t heartfelt.
From personal experience, every time I had to sacrifice something to God, it was a big part of my life. Whether it be part of my emotions, like when I sacrificed my anger to Him, or it be a relationship that fulfilled a desire to be with someone. Every time He asked me to let go of something, it was a something that when I let go of it, it changed the trajectory of my life. That was the point. He wanted to change the trajectory of my life because He could see things I couldn’t. He saw how I was leading myself down paths that weren’t drawing me closer to Him, but drawing my closer to mistakes that I wouldn’t be able to fix.
The same is true for you. He has things that He’s tugging at your heart to sacrifice. And those things are valuable to you. They’ll hurt to give up, they’ll be challenging, but that’s why He’s offering you help to change. And, before you think this is an optional thing, not necessary, remember that a key part of salvation is repentance. Do you remember what repentance is? It’s admitting that you were wrong, God was right, telling Him you’re sorry, and asking Him to help you know what decisions to make to change so you can walk with Him.
See, from the very beginning we’re supposed to sacrifice things that affect who we are, we’re always supposed to be letting go of things so God can give us more of Him and teach us how to live with Him. Sadly, somewhere along the line we got cheap with God and decided we liked our way better than His. However, we’re not too far gone, we’ve not dug a hole too deep! Right here, right now, we can get on the right track and make a change that will transform the direction of our lives.
Whether you think you’re good with where you are or you know you need a solid change, pray this prayer with me and let God determine what you need to do:
Dear God, forgive us for the many times we’ve been cheap with you. Here and now we ask you to convict our hearts and show us what we need to change. No matter the cost, no matter the change, no matter the pain, have what you want. Guide us and lead us in all that you have for us. Amen
Note from Quill: Remember, you may think the sacrifice God asks of you is painful, difficult, and unreasonable, but it’s nothing compared to the sacrifice Jesus made when He died on the cross for you. Keep life in perspective.
