The Privilege In A Gift

Sometimes, we are given a gift, that is meant to be shared. The bigger blessing comes from not keeping it all to ourselves, but sharing it with anyone we can.

Romans 1:5

S - Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey Him, bringing glory to His name.

T – In this verse “privilege and authority” popped out at me. It is a gift from God Himself that we have this privilege to share the Good News and Truth about Jesus! We are not only given the chance to “enjoy” this gift, but we are given “authority” to share it with others.

What strikes me is how we treat this “gift” from Him. I know some people that receive a ‘gift’ and are very careful with it. Others shake it before they open it! Some take their time relishing each and every part of the gift’s outer decorations and wrapping paper in the opening process. Others, rip into it not even noticing the outer decorations eager to get inside and see “what” it is. Then: the reaction. It’s truly hard to say, if the outer response in a true reflection on the inner thoughts, well, on most people. Hahaha there are some, that cannot hide their true glee or confusion at the gift they open. Then, there are a few of us, who tell-it-like-it-is when they open their gift. Not that they are being rude, but that their openness and honesty just blurt out.

After the gift is opened and received, there are a few things that happen with gifts. Some people “put it away” either in a place to ‘view’ it like a shelf or cabinet. Others put it away in a place for ‘safe keeping – to use for special moments’. Some people throw out what they used before and replace it with the new item using it as soon as they can. Then, there are some, few and far between – but they are there, that toss it aside in a disrespectful way, not really to be used or seen again. Then there are some people that enjoy their gift while they have it but see a need in someone for it and give it away, which actually doubles the life of the gift. Lastly, there are some people that give their gift away in a re-gifting sort of way, like a White Elephant or just as a gift to someone else.

I see the gift of Jesus in salvation treated much the same way. For some, it is so dear and precious, that they cling to it and never let it go, like putting it away to just be enjoyed by themselves. There are others that as soon as they receive Him, they start taking it out and showing it to everyone! Friend or stranger it doesn’t matter – they are SO excited to have others receive this gift, that they just want to share! Then yes, there are some, that actually abuse or take advantage of this amazing gift, by regularly disobeying the will of God and selfishly tossing this gift aside just far enough to keep living they way they want to live. Then yes, there are some, that “say” they received this gift, but couldn’t find it if they were asked for it.

A – the way this verse points it out, we are to not only feel excited and blessed to have been given such a gift, but that by sharing it with others, our gift will actually grow! It multiplies by the generosity of giving it to others. We don’t have to over-think or even guess who to share it with. We are given “authority” to just share it, with anyone and everyone! The authority we have isn’t in a policeman, ruler type of way; but in the fact that we have this gift and are children of God. As His child, we are freely able to bring other “foster” children to Him. He will become their “Forever Father” by adopting them and giving them the free gift of Jesus as well!

R – Oh Papa! How I have dropped the ball in this area! Can you forgive me for being so careless or frivolous with this precious gift You have given me? (Yes, My daughter, I forgive you) Oh Papa! Please allow Your Holy Spirit to guide me and then open my ears to hear You loud and clear, who I am to share this gift with today. Oh Daddy – I DO thank You for this amazing gift you have given me, and I see that I don’t always honor it. I am truly sorry and ask that you give me an extra measure of bravery in Your authority to share Your gift with others. Thank You for being so gracious and merciful with me!

        Thank You Daddy for the visual of Your gifts popping up all over, all around us, like a field or property where all sorts of flower bulbs were planted. They pop up in the spring, giving such a beautiful surprise gift from You. I see this in salvation too. Thank You! <3