FEBRUARY 11, John 10:18a

There was a missionary to China named Hudson Taylor. When he first arrived in China, he tried to preach the gospel in many cities. However, the crowds gathered to see the strange foreigner in European clothes rather than to hear the gospel. Some of the people were also afraid to speak with a foreigner. After struggling for a while, he decided to cut and dye his hair to resemble the long black braid that Chinese men had at that time. He also started to wear Chinese clothes and shoes. He did this even though no other missionaries were doing this, and he knew that other Europeans would shun him.

By God’s grace, after changing his appearance, he was able to move among the people more freely, and had more chances to share the gospel with them. Like Apostle Paul, Hudson Taylor was willing to be “made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (1 Cor 9:22b). He was willing to sacrifice his personal comfort and reputation in order to bring the gospel to the people.

Yesterday we talked about “sacrifice” in sharing things we have. Today, the focus is not on physical things, but on areas such as our likes and dislikes.

Learn how to control yourself and not always insist on what you like. Perhaps it is time for your favourite TV show but Dad is watching his sports programme. What do you do? Insist on watching what you want, or learn to sacrifice a little for Dad? Or you know there is no child willing to stay back and help the teacher, who is unwell, stack the chairs after class because fun time awaits them in the playground. What do you do? Learn how to sacrifice – be the one to stay and help the teacher.

These are some of the many ways we can learn to “sacrifice”, and these will help us to live more and more like Jesus. Remember, He gave His life for us. What is giving some time and devotion in these ways as a token of our love to Him?

Thought: As Jesus sacrificed, so should I.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be a strong Christian by depending on You to do the things I know I should do. It is not easy, but with Your help, Heavenly Father, I am confident I can do it. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.