Life is Sacrifice

A Christian is a consecrated person and he is not his own. He is a sacrifice as soon as he is a Christian. He belongs to Christ (2 Cor. 8:5).
(1) Beloved, that we had the spirit of Paul, and the Spirit of Christ, to set us at work to do good while we are here, 'to deny ourselves (Titus 2:12). Consider all the capacities and abilities we have to do good, this way and that way, in this relation and that relation, that we may be trees of righteousness. God will mend his own trees. He will purge them and prune them to 'bring forth more fruit' (John 15:2). God cherishes fruitful trees. God spares a fruitful person until he has done his work. Sometimes one poor wise man delivers the city (Eccles. 9:15). We see for one servant, Joseph, Potiphar's house was blessed (Gen. 39:8). They carry God's blessing wherever they go, and they think in every situation that they are there to do good, as it says in Esther 4:14, 'God has called me to this place, perhaps for this end.' Now, that we may be fruitful as Paul was, let us labour to have humble spirits. God delights to use humble spirits, that are content to stoop to any service for others.
(2) Get loving hearts. Love is full of creativity. How shall I glorify God? How shall I do good to others? How shall I bring to heaven as many as I can? Love is a sweet and boundless affection.
(3) Labour to have sufficiency in our places. When ability and sufficiency meet together with a gracious heart, what a deal of good is done then!
(4) Labour to have a sincere aim in what we do to please God, and then resolve to do all the good we can. Those that are fruitful in their places never want for arguments of good assurance of salvation. It is the lazy, lukewarm Christian that wants assurance. I beseech you, be stirred up and labour to be useful in your place in the world all you can.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
Christ is Best, pp. 38-44
Banner of Truth has granted permission for the use of this material.