History is full of people who have risked their lives for something greater than themselves. From revolutionary starters to missionary martyrs, risk doesn’t exist unless there is an upside and a downside. And the greater the risk, the wider the gap is between the two.

If I give you five dollars with the promise that you’ll turn it into ten, the most I’m out is five bucks if you squander it. But the most I gain is five bucks if you managed it properly.

When it comes to putting your life on the line for something, the stakes must be pretty high. If the potential for loss is your life, the potential for gain has to be that much greater.

It’s difficult to compete with someone who is willing to give their life for someone or something.

The only way to really compete with someone who is willing to risk their life would be to risk your life. This is why war is such a powerful tool.

People who are unwilling to sacrifice their lives must accept that the upside of their minimized risk will never be what it could be if they were willing to sacrifice life.

Perhaps this is what Jesus was getting at when he said “If you try to hold on to your life, it will slip through your fingers; if you let go of your life, you’ll keep it” (The Voice).

I wish we spent a lot less time and money trying to avoid death’s greeting, and instead found something actually worth dying for.

They did.
And so did they.

Comments

One Response to “Self-Sacrifice Always Wins”

  1. Joshua Cody on January 20th, 2010 10:57 pm

    Brad, thanks a ton for this reminder. It’s a great way to put into perspective the things you’re thinking and dreaming about.

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