To “sacrifice” means to give something up — usually for the benefit of someone else or for the greater good of a group of people.

Parents sacrifice countless things for their kids. A soldier’s family sacrifices time together for the safety and security of the country.

Olympic athletes sacrifice a normal childhood and social life for the opportunity to earn the honor of being the best in the world in their respective sport.

For every sacrifice made, there is a reward or compensation of great value.

The same is true when it comes to making spiritual sacrifices.

The spiritual sacrifices Peter is talking about in today’s verse are: praise and worship in the face of hardship, denying sinful cravings, selflessness, and possibly even sacrificing your own life for the cause of Christ.

When we sacrifice self-gratification and attention to praise God instead, we receive the blessings of God’s active presence in our life.

When we sacrifice the sinful cravings of the body to become a temple for the Holy Spirit, we receive the Spirit’s constant and perfect TLC.

When we sacrifice a worldly life for a godly one, we receive the hope and assurance of eternity in heaven.

Which would you rather have?