In Ancient times, the Lord’s covenant people were commanded to sacrifice animals.  Some debate whether or not it was understood that this sacrifice–the sacrifice of a lamb, was a symbol of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the lamb of God.  In either case, after Christ made that great and last sacrifice of blood, men were no longer commanded to make animal sacrifices, but to sacrifice a broken heart and a contrite spirit (3 Ne 9:19-20).  This means that, like the Savior in Gethsemane and throughout all of his life, we must be humble and submit our will to that of the Father.

Joseph Smith wrote, in his Lectures on Faith, “Only through sacrifice can we become worthy to live in the presence of God. Only through sacrifice can we enjoy eternal life. Many who have lived before us have sacrificed all they had.”  Throughout the history of Christianity, people have given up livelihood, home, family, and even life for the Savior and His gospel.  Comparatively, the ’sacrifice’ asked of me seems a pittance.  Sure, I may give a few hours of service and sacrifice a bit of entertainment or I may abstain from a person, place, or thing; but my efforts are nearly always rewarded in such a way that I realize that I have not sacrificed anything at all.  Should I just turn down employment, get rid of all my money, or take foolish risks?

No!  We only need to sacrifice those things the Lord asks of us.  Looking back at the earlier quote from Joseph Smith, one might ask does this make me less worthy to live in the presence of God? Let us examine that question by first looking at a few verses of scripture.

In the book of Mosiah, King Benjamin discusses charity and helping the poor.  After encouraging those who have to give of their substance, he addresses the poor.  To them he says, “…I would that ye say in your hearts that: I give not because I have not, but if I had I would give.  And now, if ye say this in your hearts ye remain guiltless…” (4:25-26)

Later, Alma teaches the humble poor.  He explains to them that their situation (which has come upon them through no fault of their own) has humbled them and made them more open to the gospel.  Then he clarifies, “For I do not mean that ye all of you have been compelled to be humble yourselves; for I verily believe that there are some among you who would humble themselves, let them be in whatsoever circumstances they might” (Alma 32:25).

Of those who are compelled to be humble, Heavenly Father knows who would be humble on their own.  Of those who do not have anything to give to help the poor, according to His commandment, He knows who would give if they but had something to give.  Of those of us whom He does not ask huge, life-changing (or -ending) sacrifices, He knows who would sacrifice whatsoever He asked of them.  This then, is how we can be worthy to live in the presence of God.  We decide now that any sacrifice He asks of us, we will give.  We live ready to do anything that is asked of us.