p. 9 | Is It a Sacrifice? by Daniel H. Kress

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 31, 1907

Is It a Sacrifice?

By Daniel H. Kress

D. H. KRESS, M. D.

“Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house.” These were the words addressed to Abraham. The reason why God separated Abraham from his friends and relatives was that he might qualify Abraham for a life of usefulness, with which his early associations and surroundings undoubtedly interfered. “And he went out, not knowing whither he went.”

Abraham's future life was to be one of faith. There were no flattering earthly prospects held before him. He was to live one day at a time, walking with God. He would meet with providences and experiences that he could not explain, but in all he must endure as seeing the invisible One guiding and directing. He lived as a stranger upon earth.

To-day God tests many as he did Abraham. He calls them away from friends and kindred, from cherished plans, etc., in order that they may develop character, and that he may make them a blessing in the earth. This often means a separation from every earthly tie or prospect, or from a life of ease and comfort, to enter upon what appears to be a life of self-denial, hardship, and sacrifice.

He who will count all things as mere refuse as compared with the excellency of the knowledge of Christ will not consider it a hardship to forsake all. He is willing to sell all that he has to purchase the field in which is hid from the eyes of the world the pearl of great price.

Such an exchange should not be regarded as a sacrifice, for it is not. It is not a sacrifice to exchange an old worn-out garment for a spotless new one; neither is it a sacrifice to exchange a life of sin, with its misery, for a life of holiness, with its attendant blessings.

Takoma Park, D. C.