The days can move so fast that it feels like you're caught in a current and don't have time to pause, let alone reflect. When we talk about the discipline of sacrifice, it should come from a place of reflection and not guilt or shame. Here's a way to begin incorporating this discipline into your life:

• Pause - Maybe it's just a moment or a few minutes before an errand or a meeting. But take intentional time to pause, reflect, and assess what has happened through the day and what will happen. Take note of moments you've been focused on yourself and moments you've focused on others.

• Invite - Allow the Holy Spirit to speak about those moments, to show you where focus on others may have been lacking. Allow God to expose the areas you may have chosen to ignore. It may mean the neighbor who needed help, or a stranger on a sidewalk, or even your attitude in playing with your kids. Let God bring the grace of his sacrifice for you, but also alignment to the life he is calling you towards.

• Act - The discipline of sacrifice requires action. Test out God's will by practicing sacrifice. You may not always get it right but you're building a habit to live like Jesus. Remember, you're not a "better Christian" by doing it, but by practicing sacrifice, God is slowly changing us to be more like Jesus.