What is the Law of Sacrifice?

Question

Dear Gramps,

What is the Law of Sacrifice, and how can I better learn to live it? Thank You.,

Peter

Answer

Dear Peter,

One definition of the word sacrifice is to give up something of value for something else of greater value. To live the law of sacrifice according to the Lord’s plan, would be to put the things of the kingdom first in your life, giving them the highest priority. It would be wonderful to devote one’s full time to the work of the Lord, but it is necessary for us to earn a living and to care for loved ones. However, these obligations are also part of the Lord’s plan. That which would be appropriate to sacrifice would be those self serving things that we might do for our own pleasure or self satisfaction. If we could sacrifice self interest in favor of the welfare and happiness of those around us, I am of the opinion that we would fulfill well the law of sacrifice. Joseph Smith said

“For a man to lay down his all, his character and reputation, his honor and applause, his good name among men, his houses, his lands, his brothers and sisters, his wife and children, and even his own life also-counting all things but filth and dross for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ-requires more than mere belief or supposition that he is doing the will of God; but actual knowledge, realizing that, when these sufferings are ended he will enter into eternal rest, and be a partaker of the glory of God. A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. It was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life.” (Lectures on Faith, p. 58.)

Some examples for consideration would be to fulfill our home teaching assignments as early in the month as possible, never letting them drag on into the second week of the month. We should be ready to accept any call to serve which would come from those who preside over us. It is recognized that such calls to serve may not always be convenient to accept because of our particular circumstances. But the way to approach such conflicting circumstances would be to explain to the authority issuing the call the conditions that would hinder our performance, and then express your willingness to serve if the call were to be issued in light of the limitations expressed.

Gramps