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Love Of Gifts
by Olawale Ogunsola Exchange of gifts is a common thing among people who love one another. This takes place whether or not there is something to celebrate or not. However, it even becomes a necessary during a festive period. This is a token of love. Our Maker, God, is the best and greatest Giver of gifts. He started to give man gifts from the first day He created him. How? Our Creator created everything in the garden of Eden for five days while on the sixth day, it was man's turn. He then gave man the authority to govern everything He had created. He also made provisions for his food by giving him every seed bearing plants and all fruit trees as well as every green plants. It was after giving that God saw that all He had made was good. Genesis 1:28-29. Not only this, after human beings have destroyed their smooth relationship with the Lord his God, He wanted a means of bringing them back to Himself; He GAVE the GREATEST GIFT. John 3:16 discloses, "For God so loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." NLT. This is the peak of giving gifts! For these and other reasons, because human beings were made in God's image and likeness, there ought to be exchange of gifts between them as a token of love. This will be a proof of being like God. That be as it may, we are not expected to live to love receiving gifts. In God's giving, human beings did not ask nor pursue gifts given to them. It was unexpected and was deemed fit to be given by the Giver. It is even more blessed to give than to receive because givers never lack. To what extent do you love receiving gifts? Are you a Gifts Chaser. Do you pursue gifts everytime and in every place? Do you receive all gifts - without proper screening and exception? Please, watch! Universal instruction given to every follower of Jesus Christ is to, "... go and make disciples of all nations." Matthew 28:18. NLT. Is your love of gifts not impairing the spread of the Gospel? Is the work of the Lord not obstructed by your love of gifts? I remember the words of an international Evangelist from Germany who repeatedly say, "I saw a blood washed Africa." who is commited to the spread of the Gospel in that continent, that when God asked him to choose between giving him $2m or two million souls; he chose the latter. If you were, which one will you choose? It was love of gifts that turned a man of God, who had the potential to perform four-fold miracles of Elijah, into a leper. How did it happen? At a time the Lord wanted to wrought a miracle in the life of an arrogant gentile army General to win his soul, the man was only interested in what to receive (GIFTS) from him. The General (Naaman) gave the man of God, Gehazi, twice as many as he requested. Do you know what? It was not receiving the gifts that was absolutely wrong but the TIMING. This was made known by Prophet Elisha, Gehazi's boss, who was not happy with his action. He said, "Is this the time to receive money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, and male and female servants?" 2Kings5:26. NLT. The great Prophet mentioned here some of the gifts you can be given but these must be received at the right time. What was the penalty for Gehazi's love of gifts? His boss pronounced against him, "Because you have done this, you and your descendants will suffer from Naaman's leprosy forever." 2 Kings 5:27. NLT. This came to pass immediately. That was Gehazi for you! In what way(s) are you hindering the spread of the Gospel? Is your love of gifts one of them? Examine yourself and make necessary positive changes, now!. Your repentance will bring you the favor of your Master, Jesus Christ. Do not love to receive gifts. Do not run after gifts, it may turn to running after leprosy or any other severe penalty. Stay blessed and rapturable because the Lord is coming soon. Note. NLT is New Living Translation. The Author is the set man of CTFM(WORLD OUTREACH)and Presiding Pastor of Christ Restland Gospel Church.He is a Poet and author of many books. Visit his blogsites www.4thlink.wordpress.com and www.peacelink.wordpress.com for more quality contents. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |