Remember the first day back at school after Christmas vacation?
Friends had their heads together and the first question was, “What did you get?” If the person was really your friend, they genuinely were excited to share what they got, and truly wanted to know what you received.
Kids who were not so sincere often used such opportunities to “one up you” sharing to make your gifts seem less than theirs.
Isn’t that tacky?
But it doesn’t end in school. Do you know any adults? Any people at work? Any friends who like to top what you say: where you went on vacation; they went somewhere more exotic; what kind of car you bought; they bought a better one with more bells and whistles; the home you just moved into; theirs is bigger and has a better interest rate. And on and on and on ad nauseum.
By now most people have had their Christmas celebrations at home or with various relatives or friends, the gifts are unwrapped, the gift paper and bright ribbons thrown away, the gift tags gone, and new gifts merged into older possessions. Some new toys or games are already broken, pieces missing, or interest is lost in them.
Is it easy come; easy go? Do we give so much and so often that the gift is no longer valuable? Are we so overwhelmed with physical gifts and possessions that the joy and excitement has dulled and drained away?
Think about the gifts you have or want that can’t be bought with money: a loving spouse, children, a good reputation, true friends, forgiveness, a clean conscience, joy, your talent or ability to do something special. There is an endless list.
Think about your spiritual life. Spiritually we cannot buy salvation, forgiveness, a clean conscience, a relationship with God, or His favor.
First Peter 1:18-19 tells us: “knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”
Romans 6:23 says: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
We are offered a gift: forgiveness of sins, salvation and a relationship with God.
The gift cost a great sacrifice: the life blood of Jesus Christ, His death on the cross, and His taking on our sin as He paid the price for our sins.
