I’M SAVED, NOW WHAT (part-12)

I’M SAVED, NOW WHAT? (part-12)

GOD’S GIFTS
Have you ever observed the reactions of others whenever they receive
a gift? You can get an idea of how much they like or dislike the gift by
their expressions (words; facial and body language). If they do not like
the gift very much, they will thank the giver, but will probably not
be very enthusiastic about it. However, if they really like the gift, they
show enthusiasm and want to make sure they adequately express their
appreciation to the one who gave them the gift.

With that thought in mind, what about gifts such as scholastic aptitude,
athletic skills, intuitiveness, personality, etc.? Too often we tend to take
credit for these gifts and completely overlook the Giver. For instance,
let’s assume that you have an unusual ability to learn and as a result,
navigating the educational system is easy for you. The question to ask
is, “Where did this ability come from?” A question that is seldom asked
when people enjoy the abilities they have been given but never consider
the source of their abilities. Too often some people can have an attitude
of “That’s just who I am” and never think of their talents and skills as
gifts from God.

For believers, we need to include spiritual gifts with our talents and
abilities. We may discover that we have a spiritual gift of organization.
As we see the positive results of the use of our organizational gift, we
might become egotistical about our ability to organize, and especially
if we fail to acknowledge where we acquired this skill. The scriptures
provide good advice to remind us Who provides our gifts and talents.
    Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 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 1:16-17)

There are several things in these two verses that stand out. First
Of all James says, “do not be deceived”. In other words, don’t
get the false impression that every good thing you have is either
a coincidence or a result of your own efforts.

Secondly, he refers to the readers as “dear brothers and sisters”.
This is an obvious indication that he is speaking to other believers.
When we are children of God (as a result of our second birth), we
become brothers and sisters of the same family. This is a relationship
that cannot be easily understood by those who are not saved.

Thirdly, James tells us exactly where our good (and perfect)
gifts come from. Why would he choose to use the word perfect?
Probably because the gifts have been given to us from God who
knows ‘perfectly’ what we need to become a part of His earthly
ministry.

Lastly, just to be sure there is no confusion of which Father he is
referring to, he identifies God specifically. James says that He is
the “Father of heavenly lights”. This description tells us that He
is the one who “birthed” the heavenly lights (sun, moon, stars).

He also says that this Father is consistent. A consistent Father is
one who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. That is God!
He is also the One who does not show favoritism. That is also God!
James’ description leaves no doubt that he is referring to the only
God of the universe.

To the lost and perishing, God can seem to be a harsh ruler who
is quick to condemn any disobedience. A similar view by some
believers is that God is stingy and gives out shreds of love, grace
and forgiveness. There is also a misguided thought that the Lord’s
grace to us will increase as our faith matures. If that were true, then
we would be earning His blessings through works, wouldn’t we?

The truth is, at salvation we receive the good gifts God intends
to give us, such as forgiveness, redemption, righteousness, a
place in His family, and much more. However as our spiritual
growth increases, our capacity to recognize and enjoy His
blessings increases. Thankfully we don’t have to earn His
goodness, because none of us would be able to measure up.
Scripture tells us that God operates on the basis of His grace
and not our works.
    For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and
    this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works,
    so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)