Sacrifice Is The “Currency” of Ministry

In the pursuit of uniting medicine and ministry, there lies an undeniable truth: sacrifice is the very essence of ministry. It is the currency with which we purchase the opportunity to reveal the character and love of Christ to the world. This principle is not just an abstract concept but a practical reality, rooted in the history of our work and essential to its future.

Sacrifice as the Foundation of Our Work

The foundation of medical ministry was laid through immense sacrifice. Early pioneers, as recorded in Selected Messages, Vol. 2, knew the true meaning of self-denial. They labored without expecting rewards, often receiving just enough to cover their basic needs. Their sacrifices were not made for personal gain but to further the cause of God’s work, to spread light in a world full of darkness. They wore secondhand clothes, lived on meager wages, and poured everything they had into the mission.

This spirit of self-sacrifice must continue to be the cornerstone of our work today. The success we see now is built on the sacrifices of those who came before us. To continue this legacy, we must walk humbly and commit ourselves to the same level of sacrifice. The temptation to become complacent or to seek personal comfort at the expense of the mission is strong, but we must resist it. The mission demands that we give of ourselves fully, just as our predecessors did.

The Call for Genuine Sacrifice

Sacrifice in medical ministry is not merely about financial or material giving; it involves the whole person. As the Review & Herald from July 21, 1896, emphasizes, God calls for individuals who will combine their plans with self-denial and sacrifice. This form of liberality is in line with the example set by Christ, who gave everything for the salvation of humanity.

Until this spirit of benevolence and self-sacrifice is active in our lives, God’s full blessing cannot rest upon our efforts. The work of ministry is deeply spiritual and requires that we be willing to sacrifice not just our resources but our very selves—our time, our comfort, our desires—for the sake of others. This kind of sacrifice brings us into closer alignment with Christ’s character, allowing us to truly represent Him in our work.

The Danger of Selfishness in Ministry

Unfortunately, the modern church often misrepresents Christ due to a lack of true sacrifice. As highlighted in The Home Missionary from November 1, 1890, self-love has taken the place of Christ’s love in many hearts. The pursuit of self-gratification and the neglect of the needs of others has led to a misrepresentation of Christ’s character to the world. This misrepresentation is not just a matter of perception; it has real consequences for the effectiveness of our ministry.

The fullness of God’s blessing cannot be poured out on a church that is more concerned with self than with service. To honor such a church would be to endorse their misrepresentation of Christ. Therefore, a revival of true godliness is urgently needed—a revival that calls for a renunciation of worldly practices and a return to the self-sacrificial spirit that marked the early church.

The Power of Personal Sacrifice in Ministry

Sacrifice is not just about what we give up; it’s about what we give to others. As noted in the Ministry of Healing, true ministry involves personal effort—coming close to the people, caring for the poor, comforting the sorrowful, and instructing the ignorant. This work, when done in the spirit of Christ, cannot help but bear fruit.

By sacrificing our time, our energy, and our resources, we enter into the lives of those we serve in a way that mere words cannot achieve. This personal ministry, powered by love and accompanied by prayer, reflects the true character of Christ to the world. It is through these acts of self-sacrifice that we truly become the hands and feet of Jesus.

Sacrifice as the Path to Revival

Finally, the work of medical ministry is essential for this time. As Medical Ministry states, when we work in the cities as God would have us, a mighty movement will be set in motion. But this movement requires self-sacrificing men and women who are converted to the truth and willing to let their light shine boldly.

This movement will not happen while selfishness and self-indulgence are prevalent. Only when we are willing to sacrifice everything—our time, our comfort, even our lives—will we see the outpouring of God’s Spirit in a way that will transform the world.

In conclusion, the principle that “sacrifice is the currency of ministry” is not just a call to action but a reminder of why we do what we do. We combine medicine and ministry not for personal gain but to demonstrate the love and character of Christ to a world in desperate need. Through sacrifice, we purchase the opportunity to be Christ’s representatives, to bring healing and hope, and to fulfill our mission in its truest sense. Let us, therefore, embrace this principle and commit ourselves to a life of true sacrifice, for it is only through such a life that we can truly reflect the love of Jesus and fulfill our calling in the combined work of medicine and ministry.

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