SUCCESS AND SACRIFICE

The class was set reading as their homework. The book was about a boy who wanted to climb an Alpine mountain in Switzerland. Training for the climb took up most of his time. When he finally set off for the summit, things didn’t go as planned. Partway up the slope, a teammate became sick and the boy decided to stay behind to help him instead of reaching the top.

In the classroom, the teacher asked, “Was the main character a failure because he didn’t climb the mountain?” One student said, “Yes, because he never did what he set out to do.” But another kid disagreed. He reasoned that the boy was not a failure, because he gave up something important to help someone else.

When we set aside our plans and care for others instead, we’re acting like Jesus. Jesus sacrificed having a home, a job and a comfortable life to travel Israel’s dusty roads sharing God’s truth. Ultimately, He gave up His life to free us from sin and show us God’s love (1 JOHN 3:16).

Our understanding of success is often very different from success in God’s eyes. He values the compassion that makes us come alongside and care for people who are upset, lost, lonely and struggling in some way (V.17). He loves it when we decide to look out for others. With God’s help, we can live by His ways and show the love of Jesus wherever we go. This is what living our best life really looks like.