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WANT IT? THEN SACRIFICE FOR IT! PART ONE

      We’re going to spend some time talking about a subject that few among the younger set (meaning Millennials, Gen Z and Gen A) may not have been taught during their times of being told how ‘special’ they were.  We’re going to be talking about the issue of ‘sacrifice’—especially when one wants something of high value.

      What brought this column to pass?  Well, there has been much talk about how Millennials are not able to ‘afford’ to buy their first home because of high interest rates (about 7.5% for a 30-year fixed mortgage at last word—the highest interest rate in the last 20 or so years).  Yes, and let us not forget college students and graduates not thinking that it’s ‘not fair’ for them to have to repay their student loans they got to get their degree in ‘Basket Weaving’ or ‘Feminist Studies’ (or some other nonsense degree that does not generate successful, competitive employment).

      Let me come to the bottom line of this column in short order.  Folks, if you want something worthwhile in life—I hate to say it—you are going to have to learn how to sacrifice.  I realize these days that this is a dirty, nine letter word to many in our modern times.  Trust me, every generation has had to put some things (be they creature comforts, etc.) on hold to get to the objective—something beneficial for one’s life to grow and expand.

      But what does the term ‘sacrifice’ mean?  In biblical terms (which is where I write from), one who is in Christ may put forth a sacrifice of praise; meaning that one may praise God before one knows the result (refer to the gospel song “Hallelujah Anyhow” on YT) of their prayer.  Then, there is sacrificial giving; giving above and beyond tithes and offerings to help an objective in a church to be met.  Lastly, there is the ultimate sacrifice, whereby a person lays down their life for another, as Jesus Christ did for the world at the cross!  In business, economic and/or education terminology, sacrifice means to give up something for a better, future benefit.  Lastly, in terms of marriage or romance, it means to give up something to benefit your sweetheart (refer to the well-known classic story “The Gift of the Magi”).

      Let’s stick with the matter of romance for a few lines.  I’ve seen many a woman on the Internet ‘whining’ about not being able to find a man…but are unable to put on the table what they are willing to do to not only ‘get’ married, but to ‘stay’ married!  What sacrifices are you willing to make—sisters—to not only ‘be’ in a relationship, but to ‘be’ married? 

      In all fairness, BOTH the husband and the wife must sacrifice to ‘be’ and ‘stay’ married.  Further, the need to sacrifice may arise sooner rather than later in marriage!  More to come.

      Mike Ramey is a Retired Minister, KJV Bible Teacher, syndicated columnist and Bible Prophecy Specialist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.  “The Quick Scan” is one of a variety of his columns appearing and abounding in print and cyberspace, written from a biblical, business, and common-sense perspective since 1996.  To drop him a line—or a whine—the address is still the same: mgmikeramey@yahoo.com.  ©2023 Barnstorm Communications International.