Sacrifice originally meant a material offering to a deity in token of worship or atonement. In modern usage, it generally denotes the giving up of cherished objects for the sake of others. But true sacrifice signifies the joy of leaving all for Christ, Truth.
Christ Jesus said (Matt. 10:37, 38): "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." This cross-bearing means many sacrifices of self in our conquest of sin and error, but happily unburdens us of materiality, which hides Truth.
Religionists, statesmen, scientists, and others, including men and women in the armed services, make sacrifices for the good of humanity. But such material sacrifices alone do not gain the reward of joy, which Jesus indicated would come to those who abide in his love.
