LIFE TOGETHER: AN INTERACTIVE STUDY OF 1 CORINTHIANS

SACRIFICE FOR OTHERS

The Orthodox Christian life is seldom a path to fame, and even less frequently a path to fortune. Instead, for most Orthodox workers - both clergy and laypersons - working for the benefit of others involves significant sacrifice. Priests give significant amounts of their time, often sacrificing time with their families and time for relaxation, to serve the people in their parish during times of need and crisis (not to mention, of course, the countless hours preparing for Church services and actually serving during those times of worship). A number of priests have sacrificed higher-paying position in the business world to serve God and His Church.

Lay ministry can also be a deeply sacrificial life. Most lay workers receive little or no pay for their labor (this includes some who work full time in lay ministry), and they often pay the expenses for their work out of their own pockets. The Bible study you are using right now is the product of precisely this kind of sacrificial ministry.

Why do Orthodox Christians live such sacrificial lives? In order to share the good news of Jesus Christ, and the worshipful life of His Church, with as many people as possible. We believe Orthodox Christianity is a pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45-46), and we give our all in order to share it with others. We are not to become discouraged, or give up, when facing obstacles and disappointments in our work, but instead are called to continue serving God by serving people.

You may not be called to full-time ministry (although you may, and should certainly pray to discern if you are), but as an Orthodox Christian you are called to do something to serve others. What can you do with your time and resources to bring others into a transforming relationship with God and His Church?