Over the past few days, we’ve established that a meaningful life comes through taking responsibility for ourselves and our choices, not in shying away from them. In other words, a responsible life is a meaningful life. Today, I want to add further to this thought by convincing you that the reason many people choose not to take responsibility is because it always requires sacrifice. 

Nothing of meaning or substance comes without pain and challenge. In order to get something, we inevitably have to give something up, and those kinds of choices are often the hardest to make and sustain. For instance, if we’re going to get through college, we may have to temporarily cut back on social activities and settle for a less than perfect part-time job to help pay for our tuition. If we’re going to get married, we need to learn to put our own needs and desires behind those of our spouse. Similarly, if we’re going to become parents, we need to commit to at least 18 years of constant dedication of time, money, and energy to our kids in order to put them first. In each of these scenarios, a great deal of sacrifice is required, but the potential return on investment far outweighs the cost of choosing to be responsible! 

Friend, whatever you do, don’t shy away from responsibility because there is a cost involved. As Jesus did, be willing to walk into the face of hardship and carry your cross for the greater good. Though it will demand hard work and sacrifice, like your Savior, keep your eyes fixed on higher things. A life lived well in the image of Almighty God will satisfy your heart and anchor your soul in a way that nothing else on earth ever could!