“Micro-martyrdom”
By Sandra Fischer
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends” John 15:13 (NIV)
We’ve read about them—martyrs who died rather than deny Christ. As faithful followers, we like to believe, if the time or opportunity came, we would be “all in”, too. Realistically, it’s doubtful we will be put to that great test. But, to follow Christ’s example, we must consider what He says,
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends” John 15:13 (NIV)
We’ve read about them—martyrs who died rather than deny Christ. As faithful followers, we like to believe, if the time or opportunity came, we would be “all in”, too. Realistically, it’s doubtful we will be put to that great test. But, to follow Christ’s example, we must consider what He says,
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23, NIV)
Could laying down our lives not mean a “once-for-all” event? Could sacrificing ourselves be an ongoing process, a kind of “micro-martyrdom”—small, everyday surrenders of putting others’ interests before ours?
Could laying down our lives not mean a “once-for-all” event? Could sacrificing ourselves be an ongoing process, a kind of “micro-martyrdom”—small, everyday surrenders of putting others’ interests before ours?
Could losing our lives in bits and pieces show the sacrificial love of Christ?
How is dying daily shown?
By making time—to listen to others, to send an encouragement note or call a friend; to get up earlier to have devotions and pray for those we promised to pray for; to visit a shut-in; to serve at church or wherever needed.
It’s shown by: Allowing someone else to have—the remote, the last piece of our favorite pie, the window seat, the closest parking space, the pew where we usually sit, the last word.
It means: Not responding to an offense in a like manner, whether in speech or action; forgiving slights and never recalling them to the slighter; withholding our opinions when unsolicited or unnecessary; not judging people on appearances; respecting the intrinsic value of each person God created.
“Micro-martyrdom” means laying down our lives daily in Christlike love.
“Lord, help us to remember—dying to self means living for You.”
Sandra is a Faithwriters Platinum member, author of “Seasons in the Garden.” Contact
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