My Favorite Gift

Thursday evening (Dec 18) our staff held our annual Christmas party. It was fun tine with good food, lots of games, and a few small gifts. It is always refreshing to spend time with the folks you work with, outside the office. You can really get to know them on a different level. Of course some levels are best left unknown. Am I right Hot Pastor?

Toward the end of the evening we read several Bible passages about Jesus, and then we were asked to write down our favorite gift from God. We were all given a few minutes before being asked to share what we had written.

The first to speak was a husband of one of the staff. His answer was probably similar to many answers. He had written that his favorite gift from God was his wife. He went on to give a heartfelt explanation for his answer by explaining that everything was better with his wife.

I am sure that several people there wrote something similar. When asked about a favorite gift, our minds often turn to tangible things. Wives, children, ministry positions, or even material possessions would probably top the list of many people’s favorite gifts.

To be honest, my first thought was my family. I love my family and love to spend time with them. I find peace and solace in my home. However, before I could write that down I was urged by some inner nudge to look deeper. If we are truly looking for our favorite gift would not the answer we give be something along the lines of a redeemed life?

I know for me that had to be it. No other gift can do what the gift of redemption has done for me. Because of Jesus I now have a life that means something. I am working for a God who has eternal things on his mind. There can be no more significant work than work which has eternal consequences.

I see people everywhere that are striving for significance, but in the end are failing. The sad thing is they don’t even realize it. Wealthy individuals with philanthropic endeavors striving to make a difference in this lifetime will fall miserably short of true significance. Sacrificial servants who work in the underbelly of society, a part from God’s grace and redeeming message, will only change things for a short time.

True significance comes with the life redeeming message of Jesus Christ. The only change that lasts is the one that comes from the Savior. You may feed a child in Africa, but he will hunger again. You may create a vaccine for Aids, yet death will continue in other forms. These things are fleeting in their effect. God’s message of love will change a life forever. Jesus said; “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again—ever! In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up within him for eternal life.” John 4:13-14.

Now there is significance! My life has been transformed into a well that springs forth life, a well that not only provides life for me, but all who care to drink from it. I have now become an outlet through which God can bring life to others. Hey, do you need a drink?

I am second

I just viewed a wonderful website called I Am Second. Powerful, is all that I can say. Why am I second? Because I can screw up my life in a heartbeat and have many times over. God is the only one that can redeem my life. He is doing that even now. Four and a half years ago I was a factory worker with no college or seminary, attending and serving in a church that limited my ministry due to a divorce in my history. I chose to say yes to God, and now I am a familiy minister serving an awesome God in a great church. I have a staff of five, and hundreds of volunteers. Only God can do that. Left on my own, God only knows where I would be. That is why I am Second. How about you?