Making sacrifices for God is not always sweet. As we’ve been learning, genuine and acceptable worship means, even though it’s difficult for me, it’s my choice.

Whenever you’re going through something that is painful, but which you willingly chose, the pain doesn’t stop you. On the other hand, when you’re going through pain that is foisted upon you, it’s a very difficult situation. It become something to be endured grudgingly, rather than enjoyed willingly.  Public support for Jesus was at its lowest ebb during His crucifixion, yet Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took the risk of asking the authorities for Jesus’ body. They didn’t mind the personal risk or possible shame; they willingly swam against the Jewish political tide at the time. I choose to worship.

Mary Magdalene ran to Jesus’ grave early in the morning. In fact, she ended being first to see Jesus’ after His resurrection even before His acclaimed twelve apostles.  She risked her life to go there all alone. I choose to worship.

So you see, it’s not necessarily about how much your worship to God costs you. It is not essentially about the element of sacrifice involved in what you give to God. It is about the decision you reach in your heart. It is about how voluntary, how choiceful, how thankful your heart is. Is it from a grateful and an affectionate heart? That’s really what matters to God at the end of the day. I choose to worship.

So, this message comes to us at many levels. First of all is that we must examine what we’re doing. I give a lot to God, I sacrifice to the point that it borders on craziness.  But you see it’s always like before the sacrifice leaves my hand, the favors follow. You know why? Nobody tells me what to do for my God.

I  choose to worship.

What about you?