Unopened Gifts

  

Before I check into a hotel, I want to know about the amenities. Is a continental breakfast included? Is there an exercise room (although I probably wouldn’t use it)? Is there a swimming pool? And if so, is it heated and indoors or a cold outdoor pool?

Do you ever wonder if you’ve explored all the amenities included in your “Salvation package?” Is there more Grace available than you are using? How about the “Peace package?” The “Comfort package” is also sizeable. Have you torn into that one? Then there’s the “Joy bag?” Please don’t think I’m directing these questions only to you. I’m writing about this because I’ve been asking myself these same questions lately.

I was talking with a friend this morning and he said,

There is so much wisdom and blessings that God wants me to have, so many gifts still unwrapped that came with being saved that remain unopened that He wants me to be blessed with. So ironic that they have already been paid for. But the longer I live, the more I realize how much I need Him and still know I do not depend on Him as I should. And I wonder do I have the keys to a lot of doors that remain unlocked because of lack of faith?

When I look at the many sacrifices Jesus has made to give me an abundant life, I wonder if I’m taking full advantage of all He has for me. If Jesus left the splendor of heaven to come to this cruel world (which He most certainly did), didn’t even have a pillow for His head, was willing to go through torture for me, and then the Father was willing to turn His holy back on His only Son while He was dying for me, I think it is safe to say there was a whole lot of love going on and a glorious purpose behind it all.

If all that was accomplished for sinful mankind, I’m sure the Lord wants us to fully enjoy the benefits of such a sacrifice. Have you ever given someone a gift and they didn’t use it? How did it make you feel? Like the gift was wasted? Undervalued? Like the gift was not suited for its recipient?  When I consider what to give someone, I try to think about what they would enjoy, but mostly what they really need to make life easier or better for them. There is no doubt our Creator did the same for us.

Paul’s desire for the Christ-followers in Ephesus, is the same for my friends, family, and myself…
Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory. For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:3:13-21 NAS and KJ)

May not even one package be left unopened by any of us! May we continue to not only desire, but take the necessary time and effort to open every single gift God would wish to lavish on us. Funny thing, the mail lady, just this minute, delivered a very nice package to my door. There is no evidence of who sent it. Wow….
A very Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Gaye Hughes