Letting go of wrong thought
“There can be no progress, no achievement without sacrifice, and a man's worldly success will be in the measure that he sacrifices his confused animal thoughts, and fixes his mind on the development of his plans, and the strengthening of his resolution and self-reliance.”
— James Allen
Reflection
Allen states bluntly that there can be no progress or achievement without sacrifice. At first glance this seems harsh, but look at any lasting accomplishment and you will find something willingly laid down—time, comfort, money, reputation, or ease. The inner decision to sacrifice begins in thought long before it appears on a calendar or bank statement.
Most of us want growth without cost. We desire deeper character, stronger relationships, and meaningful work, but hope to keep all our old habits, comforts, and distractions. Allen reminds us that this is impossible. Every “yes” to a higher goal requires a “no” to something lesser. Sacrifice is simply the alignment of our choices with what we claim to value most.
Seen this way, sacrifice is not grim deprivation; it is focused love. A parent rises early for a child they cherish. A disciple lays aside certain pleasures for the sake of a greater obedience. In each case, the loss is real, but the purpose makes it bearable—even joyful.
When you settle in your mind what you are willing to give up for the sake of what matters most, your life begins to move with new clarity. You stop negotiating with every distraction and start walking a straighter path.
And that’s worth thinking about.
— Vic Johnson
Putting It Into Practice
- Name one meaningful goal and write down specifically what you are willing to sacrifice to pursue it.
- Identify a habit or comfort that conflicts with your highest values and experiment with laying it aside for a week.
- Spend a few minutes praying, asking God to show you where sacrifice is needed to align your life with His purposes.
One Question To Ponder
If true progress requires sacrifice, what lesser thing is currently standing in the way of what you say you want most?
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