Devotion 4
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you…”
2 Timothy 1:6
Gifts are fun. Fun to give and (it’s ok to admit it) fun to get! We all love finding just the right gift for that special friend and having her be truly delighted when she opens it. And we’ve all faked our way through opening a gift that was, well, not exactly what we were hoping for!
I think our joy in giving and receiving gifts is a reflection of being created in God’s image. He is the ultimate gift-giver! The Bible says that God gives us help, wisdom, strength, food, attention, victory, life, peace, His Word, glory, and grace – just to name a few. He delights in giving good gifts to His children, and His gifts are always perfect.
God’s gifts are never unusable – like the mouse shaped cutting board I was once given. (Something about chopping my food on a rat just wasn’t appealing!) They are never too much – quite unlike the 19 casserole dishes I received at my wedding shower. (Did I ever have a great credit line at Beall’s!) And God’s gifts always fit just right – unlike the 38 D bras from my aunt! God made us, God knows us, and He’s definitely aware of what we like and what we need!
God gives us some gifts to enjoy – just as parents give presents which bring delight to their children. God also gives us different gifts to employ – to put to use for others. Some of those gifts help fellow Christ-followers grow in Him and some help not-yet Christ-followers know about Him. The Bible calls those gifts “spiritual gifts.” The root words in Greek mean “gifts of grace.” I like that. When we become His, God gives us a “welcome to the family” gift – a grace gift – which He wants us to use to show His grace to the world around us. A useful gift is only useful when it is used. (I wouldn’t call that profound or clever, but it’s true!) Do you know what your “grace gifts” are?
Romans 12:6–8 tells us some of them – serving, teaching, preaching, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy. And there are many more. Think about your talents, your abilities, your desires, what you’re good at, what you like to do. God has gifted you with all those things, and He doesn’t want His gifts to sit around unwrapped or unused!
So go ahead. Enjoy your gifts! Employ your gifts! And don’t forget to say thank you!
Time For A Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
How has God given you good gifts to enjoy this year? What special “grace gifts” do you think God has given you to employ for Him?
RESPOND
How will you say “thank you” for the good gifts God has given? Who will you serve with your “grace gifts”?
No comments:
Post a Comment