Friday, December 16

 

I do not like receiving gifts; perhaps you feel the same way. Don’t get me wrong. It is not that I do not like receiving gifts. I just feel automatically indebted to the person, I feel as though they now have some sort of power over me. The bigger the gift the bigger the debt and the greater the power I feel they have over me. If there is going to be any gift giving I would prefer it would be a gift exchange, this way nobody owes anything. I know of people who keep gifts wrapped and ready to be given in the event someone shows up unexpectedly bearing gifts. The reason for this is that most people do not want to feel indebted to another or allow others to exercise any power over them.

 

In terms of our relationship with God, we often behave towards Him the same way we relate towards people; we act as though it was a gift exchange. We recognize that salvation is a gift but we also want God to recognize the sacrifices and good things we have done. For example, on the weeks I behave exceptionally well I assume God is more approachable. On the other hand, those weeks when I didn’t behave so well I feel as though God is less approachable. The Christmas story however is completely opposite to this way of thinking.

 

Luke 2: 10-11 NIV

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

 

These verses have nothing to do with gift exchanges, what we have worked for, earned, or deserve. This is God, looking at our condition and sending His son to rescue and save us. This is why we call it “good news” for everyone; because it is not based on our goodness, instead it is based on the goodness of God. Here is the problem; there are people who do not believe they are in need of a savior. Therefore, this gift is of no value to them. When you truly begin to understand the Christmas story however, you will begin to realize that you cannot gift exchange your way to salvation, no matter how hard you work at it. There are times when we cannot save our families or health, why would we think we can save our lives ourselves?’

 

Salvation is not a gift exchange. When you start to really understand that Jesus is your savior, your life will change dramatically. In addition, the way you relate to God will never be the same; you will start to follow Him because of who He is rather than for what He has done. When someone saves your life, the natural reaction is unfiltered, unsolicited devotion and infinite gratitude. We do not follow Jesus because we are indebted to Him; we follow Him because He is our savior.

 

Merry Christmas!