‘Sacrifice’ isn’t a popular word today. We live in a “me” culture of iPods and iPhones that tells us “we’re worth it too.” It’s easy to fall for when everyone around you is looking out for Number One, but giving up that prerogative is one more way we, as Christians, stand out.
Charlie T. Studd is chiefly remembered as England’s cricketing champion. For four years running he won his Cambridge blue; captained the team; and even defeated the Australians with his great century in 1882. His time on the pitch, however, was relatively short. After just three years of fame, Studd exchanged the cricket field for the global mission field and joined Hudson Taylor in China, (later serving in India and Africa). Friends, family and nation alike were shocked by his decision. What could possibly have induced him to give up his prestigious position for a life of poverty and hardship in a foreign land?
His father had been a Christian for several years when Charlie was “born again.” Throughout Eton and Cambridge, “Studd” was a household name, but he shrank from the task of making Christ likewise known. It was not until 1884 that he realised he had been holding himself back from his Lord. He became – as he called it – a “real live play-the-game Christian.” From that moment on, Studd determined to use both his influence and popularity to see his teammates and peers saved. Here was “something infinitely better than cricket. [His] heart was no longer in the game.”
But even that was not enough. He was desperately aware of the millions “going down to Christless and hopeless graves.” It was then that he turned his thoughts to China. Taylor, a missionary to the Chinese, had long been seeking bold young Christians to continue the work abroad. Studd was quickly convinced of their need and, after much prayer, finally settled on the idea. One particular Bible verse struck him. “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession,” (Psalm 2:8). That year Studd set out for China.
What induced him? The certainty that these words were true and the knowledge that he himself had been bought back by Christ at such a cost. He later wrote, “When I came to see that Jesus Christ had died for me, it didn’t seem hard to give up all for HIM. It seemed just common, ordinary honesty.” Studd had sacrificed his career, education, wealth, security, all for the sake of the Gospel.
It’s the same task Jesus sets us: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me,” (Luke 9:23). And it’s particularly relevant today when education and prestige are so glorified, even amongst Christians. Mission is one natural way we can “take up our cross,” through organisations such as Latin Link and Crosslinks. But the point is sacrifice. Dependence on God. There is a daily call for us as Christians to give up the comforts of this world to further Christ’s cause. Perhaps taking time out of revision to meet for a one-to-one Bible study; joining a Christians in Sport group to pray for one another before matches; writing to encourage missionaries abroad. They’re not all “grand gestures.” But there’s a sacrifice.
