It is Easter season once again, and we get to roll back one of the oldest and most popular sacrificial acts performed in the History of mankind (for those who believe), being the Death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This act was the most significant action it took for the restoration of our race that had fallen deep in to sin and unbelief (sounds very familiar).
Most financial elevation stories, especially the self made ones follow a trend of extreme sacrifice and effort. Being a successful, self made person will cost us, and it does appear that the bigger the sacrifice the better the reward. We must not fall into the category of those who expect to harvest from making no sacrifices or planting no seeds. It may work sometimes, but the chances are that the cost will still reappear somewhere down the line.
The significance of the act is not lost on us as a concept, even for those who generally don't believe it is still a very powerful and admirable story about love, commitment and sacrifice. Throughout our history, we have experienced situations that require us to give much of ourselves, and in some rare cases, everything, in order to scale through. The Sacrifice of Jesus was significant in a few ways.
The Cost
First, Jesus is God's very own son. He probably was the only one capable of redeeming makind (again, for those who believe). The sacrifice was a big cost to God the father as well as on Jesus himself. Far too often we want to see results without necessarily doing what it takes to get these results. If it doesn't cost us we probably are not doing it properly.
The Process
Next is what it actually entails. This is likely the hardest part practically speaking. Even Jesus Christ at a point was overwhelmed and prayed to the Father to lift the burden from him. The process sometimes requires a lot of time spent simply slugging it out and doing the difficult things. It also requires a lot of time and patience. Sometimes the process may drag out for a really long time and people eventually throw in the towel.
This process path poses a daily challenge, and Even I struggle with it daily. Many times we overcome but sometimes the process overpowers us and we may be knocked off rhythm. The key in those circumstances is to get back on track as quickly as possible because the days tend to compound. If it is a business every day needs our full attention and desire to set it succeed. Sacrifice should never be lost on us.
The Detractors
Christ had his own people that denied and betrayed him. In our personal finance journeys we will likely have those who seek to discourage us, or sabotage our efforts. Recognizing that the opinions of others are not valid and putting people in their place fast is very important. Perhaps more significantly, our opinions of ourselves should matter most in any and every decision making process.
Conclusion
Finally the result comes and for the most part it is worth it. Those who are responsible for the growth of this chain have done so at personal cost to themselves and continue to make sacrifices everyday. It seems we cannot escape it. The story of Christ teaches us just how powerful it is and perhaps how we can leverage it.
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