Targets

Spiritual Essential: Sacrifice

Reading: Mark 10:28-31

“No one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age… and in the age to come eternal life.” (Mark 10:29–30)

Every athlete trains with a target in mind. It might be a competition, a time goal, a PR, or simply becoming stronger and more capable. Whatever it is, that target gives meaning to the work. Early mornings, tough sessions, sore muscles — they’re all easier to embrace when you know what you’re chasing. Without a target, the sacrifice feels random. With a target, the sacrifice becomes worth it.

Jesus speaks directly into that idea in Mark 10. The disciples had given up things to follow Him — relationships, comfort, stability. And Peter asks the question we all think at some point: What do we get in return? Jesus doesn’t dismiss the question. He reframes it. He points to a greater return, a greater reward, a greater target. Something worth the sacrifice.

We define sacrifice as surrendering something we value for something of greater worth in God’s eyes. And Jesus makes it clear — when the target is Him, when the pursuit is His kingdom, nothing we give up is wasted. In fact, it leads to something deeper than we expect — blessing, faith, and joy.

So how does sacrifice deepen our faith and joy?

It clarifies what we’re chasing. When you willingly lay something down for God, you’re making a statement: He is worth more. That sacrifice strengthens your faith because you’re actively trusting Him over what you can see and control. It stretches you. It grows you. It builds confidence that God will meet you on the other side of your surrender.

And then something unexpected happens — joy shows up. Not the surface-level kind tied to comfort, but a deeper joy rooted in purpose. The kind that comes from knowing you’re aligned with God, moving toward something eternal.

Just like in training, the right target changes everything. The workout doesn’t get easier — but it gets clearer. The sacrifice doesn’t disappear — but it gains meaning.

So, take a look at your life. What are you chasing? What’s your target? And what are you holding onto that might be slowing you down?

Because when your target is God’s purpose, sacrifice stops feeling like loss and starts becoming gain. It builds your faith. It anchors your joy. And it moves you toward something far greater than anything you leave behind.

Lock in your focus. Fix your eyes forward. Because when the target is clear, the sacrifice is worth it.

Questions for Reflection:

How does knowing God’s purpose for your life change what you’re willing to surrender?

When has sacrifice deepened your joy?