Your choice: Selfishness (dogmatically demanding your way) or
Your choice: Sacrifice (recognizing another’s need; meeting that need as soon as possible)

Jesus had sent His twelve disciples out to minister on a “mission trip”.  When they returned they told Him what had happened.  (Luke 9:1-2)

Jesus gave the principle of sacrifice in how He met the needs of others.  One example is:
(NASB) Luke 9:10-11 “When the apostles returned, they gave an account to Him of all that they had done.  Taking them with Him, He withdrew by Himself to a city called Bethsaida.
11 But the crowds were aware of this and followed Him; and welcoming them, He began speaking to them about the kingdom of God and curing those who had need of healing.”

Jesus wanted His twelve chosen followers to be refreshed and to spend time with them apart from people.  And that did not happen.  How did Jesus respond to these crowds?

Jesus sacrificed the time He wanted to spend alone with His disciples.
Jesus sacrificially used time for meeting the needs of the crowds following Him.
Jesus welcomed them…
Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God…
Jesus cured those who needed healing…

What is your response when you are disappointed and need to change your plans for another?

Jesus’ example: welcomed the crowds.
Your example: do you pout, moan, do you want what you want when you want it?
Your choice: selfishness or sacrifice?

Jesus’ example: took the opportunity to speak of the kingdom of God.
Your example: do you assume the role of martyr, poor me?
Your choice: selfishness or sacrifice?

Jesus’ example: He met the needs of those crowds.
Your example: do you look for ways to extend tender loving care to those you can help?
Your choice: selfishness or sacrifice?

Selfishness is the way many people choose…daily.
Sacrificial living is the harder path to follow.  Sacrificial living is not without pain.  But it is the most satisfying path to choose for the followers of Christ.

(Amplified) 1 Peter 2:21 “For even to this were you called [it is inseparable from your vocation].  For Christ also suffered for you, leaving you [His personal] example, so that you should follow in His footsteps.”

Your Choice: Selfishness or Sacrifice