When Do You Open Your Gifts?
You probably have gift-wrapped presents under your Christmas tree.
When do you open them?
With little kiddos, you might be awakened in the middle of the night (at least it seems that way!) by children eager to open their presents.
You might be the parent (like my mom), who waits until everyone else has opened all their gifts before starting on their own…slowly. Very slowly.
How about God’s gifts?
What do you do with the gifts from God?
All—ALL—His gifts must be opened in order to receive what He has for us. He gives, but we are responsible.
The Gift of Salvation
The gift of His Son, Jesus Christ—must be received in order to be saved.
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. (John 1:12)
He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day. (John 12:48)
We must receive Him as Savior and Lord.
God’s Life and Godliness Gifts
We must learn how to use His gifts.
Some presents can be used immediately, without study: a new candle, clothing. Some presents must be learned to be used: a board game, new software.
God has given His children everything pertaining to life and godliness. EVERYTHING.
His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. (2 Peter 1:3)
Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly. (Romans 12:6)
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10)
Open, Learn, and Use God’s Gifts
But I do not use all His gifts in my everyday life. And you don’t either!
As we grow as Christians, we are more and more able to walk in His way. We are being saved from the power of sin; we are being sanctified.
Open all His gifts and prayerfully learn how to use them for His glory.
Merry Christmas!
