1 Cor 13:11 states, “When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.”
Lately I have been thinking a lot about sacrifices and suffering. My wife has sacrificed a lot for sake of our family, and for me. She has sacrificed our time to allow me to be a youth minister; she has sacrificed her time and accessibility to her big ole Catholic family in order to move with me to TN. She sacrifices herself to bear our children. She home schools which I’m convinced is also known as “free pass in purgatory” (its not that bad for her, but for me….). At any rate, I’m impressed by her constantly.
If I broaden my thoughts on this I think of others who sacrifice so much to be good parents. Or those that answer the call to the priesthood and religious life and what they have sacrificed. It is amazing to me what people will willingly give up when they are called to do good things.
Why am I surprised then when I get upset at those who martyr themselves when asked to give up little?
Have you ever heard the saying: to whom much is given, much will be expected?
I remember when also hearing many times that big boys buy big toys.
And have you ever seen a bumper sticker that says, “In the end the one with the biggest toys wins”? What a joke.
I’ve come to a conclusion about the men in my life. This is not a judgment, simply a scientific approach to explain one’s willingness to be a man when it counts. I use the following simple equation to determine the strength of another’s resolve.
Big men, make big sacrifices.
First let me define what I mean by “big men”. By Big men I mean MEN who exemplify the word in their spirit and in their actions. Think about it, do you really respect those that are not willing to sacrifice? My wife has a friend whose husband is a wuss. He wouldn’t know sacrifice if it slapped him in the face. Now I respect him as a creation in God’s kingdom, but I don’t consider him a Man. He is a boy as he still makes childish sacrifices. I love my children and they are growing up too fast. And they have already taught me soo much. One thing I have learned is how our sacrifice must begin small as children. But also that it cannot remain there. The sharing of the favorite toy cannot be the extent of our suffering in life….or we remain boys.
Second let me add 2 clarifications to this.
1. Big men sacrifice big things……without complaint. The MAN doesn’t not cry when his blanket is taken away. He lets it go when needed and fights for it when appropriate.
2. Big men sacrifice the Right things. Many of us make sacrifices. But Big Men discern what is right to sacrifice. And what is most beneficial. In the end I think there is a Big Man in all of us waiting to be let out. Sometimes we are unwilling because of pride. That is, when we say My will be done. But when one says to God, Thy will be done, then he can make big sacrifices.
So the next time you are called upon to give up something, be a Big Man. Put away childish sacrifices and really discern what it is you are living for. Me or He.
And remember, God doesn’t always call on the phone, or by yelling. Read 1 Kings 19 to learn more about how God comes to us, sometimes in the form of a whisper.
Let’s pray. God thank you for the strength to sacrifice. We pray you increase in us the openness, willingness, and Grace to live this life as you call. Focused on your will. Accepting of your instruction. And guided by your Holy Spirit. Increase in us the gift of wisdom and faith to know your will and the courage to carry it out. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.
Tags: Family, fatherhood, kings, MEN, Parenting, sacrifice, suffering
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