Of Secret Sacrifice

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies,
it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

John 12:24

To crucify The Inner Man is a most painful task
But He who wrought salvation's plan will help us if we ask
For He is rich in mercy, with a most exceeding love
Where sacred immortality instills each mortal glove

To crucify the nature that is contrary to God
Is not a once-and done affair accomplished with a nod
Oh, no, this crucifixion is a lifelong enterprise
Seed is without fruition unless first the kernel dies

The noise that tongue employs is hollow when opinion-charged
Bold babble hard to swallow from a mindset, self-enlarged
Humility runs deep and wide; it is not loud and proud
The Inner Man, when crucified, does not attract a crowd

To offer up our bodies as a living sacrifice
Is to remember more than just Mercy’s initial price
But to revere the altar fastened to the rising sun 

From love that does not falter as we fight the evil one

These private executions as we crucify our wants
Seems perfect prey for liar’s sway and the deceiver’s taunts
But as we confess avarice and pray for its release
His grace anoints love’s sacrifice with perfect joy and peace

© Janet Martin