Nothing shows how pagan we are like the sacrifices we make.
I know that for many “sacrifice” sounds uber-religious but you can dispense with that notion right away. We sacrifice because we are human.
We sacrifice because we believe… because we know there are some things in life that are beyond our control and we hope that someone or something out there will honour our sacrifice and do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.
…if I sacrifice time spent with my family to “get ahead” I will make more money, be able to provide more stuff for my family which will make them happy and think of me as their hero…
…if I make sacrifices so that my kids can get a good education, they will become successful and grateful… one day, if not today…
…if I make sacrifices for those I love… they will love me back…
You’ll notice that none of the outcomes are within my power to control. I cannot make my family happy, I cannot make my children successful or grateful, I cannot make my spouse love me…
…but that doesn’t stop us from trying…
This is why religions multiply. There is this engrained belief that if I pursue the right god… in the right way… with the right sacrifices… the behaviours and the right actions, s/he will look on me with favour…
Biblical Christianity, faithfully lived, is probably the only faith that rejects this notion. Biblical Christianity sacrifices not to request… but as response.
The true Christian does not give money, or volunteer with the expectation of reward or favour. The true follower of Christ sacrifices, gives, serves and loves because of what God has already done for them.
…what do you think?