The offering

of-fer-ing
1. something offered in worship or devotion, as to a deity; an oblation or sacrifice
2. a contribution giving to or through the church for a particular purpose, as at a religious service
3. anything offered as a gift
4. something presented for inspection or sale
5. the act of one who offers

What if we all offered ourselves more? What if we sacrificed more? (offered and sacrificed for Christ-like things - not earthly) What a better place this world would be if people, Christians or not, simply gave things up for others? A seat on the bus, lended a few dollars, offered to help with children, or even just send a beautiful/handsome smile someones way.

Think of how our King, Jesus Christ, sacrificed and offered everything for us. EVERYTHING! What immense love? Why can't we learn to love like that? Why do some of our fellow 'Christians' act as if nothing goes their way, they hate the world, their lives, the people around them? What kind of example is that? Non-christians see the way those 'Christians' act and they themselves form an idea of what God is like. A Christian who portrays the image of Christ with love, purity, selflessness, and humility will then set a marvelous example for non-christians. A 'Christian' who portrays Christ with anger, impurity, selfishness, and arrogance will set a terrible example for non-christians. What if you are the only example that person ever sees of Christ? Will you be a good or bad one? Will they want to know God deeper or just move on with their empty lives?

I encourage all of you to look at how you act, no matter where you are or what you are doing. Is it pleasing to our Savior? Is it helpful or harmful to the person beside you? Are you sacrificing your selfish ways because Jesus Christ sacrificed His everything for YOU? Are you offering yourself to others - making their day a little better just because of a simple action?

Make this life be a beautiful one for someone else today. Make today be a beautiful day for all you come into contact with. Don't complain - encourage. Don't fight - be peaceful. Don't look down - look up. Don't make others feel less important - treat all as they are more important than you. Try to be more Christ-like. Strive for that everyday and naturally, your life will become a more beautiful one.