Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Gifts (of the Spirit or service) (11/22/07)
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TITLE: THE GIVER AND THE GIFTS | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sharon Offord
11/26/07 -
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ADD TO MY FAVORITES
I remember childhood Christmases – the thrill of anticipation as we squeezed and shook those tantalizing parcels under the tree. And then the moment of discovery as brightly coloured gift-wrap was discarded and the gifts could be held and enjoyed. Years later as a wife and mother the focus has changed and I now wait to see the smiles of appreciation and surprise on the faces of loved ones as they open carefully chosen gifts.
I am certain that our Heavenly Father also takes pleasure in our enjoyment of every good and perfect gift He gives us: soft soaking showers, rain-washed blue skies, an expanse of sandy beach laced with foamy waves, diamond raindrops on velvety red roses, melodious bird-song, a warm hug or the aroma of freshly baked goodies. How often He must long for our enjoyment of the gifts to be turned into appreciation of the Giver!
As naturally selfish children we often forget that His gifts are not only given to bless us, but to allow us to bless others also. For instance, it is tempting to feel that the gifts of the Spirit are signs of our spirituality which give us special status and honour, instead of recognizing that these gifts can only be of value when we give them away in humble service to others.
This often means a sacrifice of time and effort in offering hospitality, caring, encouraging, teaching or sharing God’s word. It’s all too easy to decide instead to ‘bury our talents’ like the lazy servant Jesus described in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25 : 14 – 30).
Let’s take the time to express our love and appreciation to our Heavenly Father for all His wonderful gifts, especially the gift of our Saviour. And let’s make the effort to share His goodness and love with others and so fulfil His purposes for us.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1 : 17
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9 : 15
[Quotations are from the New International Version]
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