How Do I Value God’s Gift? | REV3 = Revitalize, Energize, Visualize

I have sold several cars in my life. At the time of the sale, I no longer valued the car for the space, time, or purpose it held in simplifying my life. Although, I felt the vehicle held enough value that it could be exchanged for something of greater benefit. I have never had someone come and buy a vehicle and leave it in my possession, much less allowed me to use it post sale. Further from my mind would be that someone would buy my older model and take it away and replace it with a newer one and give me the use of it until he comes back for it at a later date. Beyond my dreams would be if they would do that and cover all expenses for its maintenance and storage. Mind blowing, but that is essentially what Jesus did. The gospel offers a person eternal life in exchange for a one-time limited life that ends in death.

Even though I can’t imagine anyone would do the above mentioned scenario, let’s hypothesize what I would do if this heavenly thing would happen to me. I know myself well enough. I can imagine some of my reactions to this possible stimuli. There is a theory that “possession is nine-tenths of the law,” and this concept may creep into my thinking. I could begin to forget that this car is not mine. The longer I had use of it, the deeper this thought would root and even go from virtual reality to fact in my mind. On the other hand, I may become neglectful of its maintenance, not because I don’t care, but because it is not mine, forgetting I have full unrestricted use of it. I may even wonder if I will be compensated for its upkeep. When someone would compliment me about its possession, I may succumb to omitting or forgetting to emphasize that it is not mine. I may go beyond being tempted by fame or money and benefit by not disclosing the real owner. I could be convinced to allow others to borrow it, despite the risk it may be to the real owner by not keeping his best interests in mind. As the vehicle would age, and its options not function well or cease to perform, or newer models become available, my deep awe of the use of it would fade. Seeing current models or even grumbling about this one gifted to me is a time tested result for many of us to not appreciate what we have.

Can you imagine asking someone to give you a new car? Would someone you know respond favorably to such a request? I have received many vehicles at low cost and even some at no cost, only incurring towing or other related expenses; all of them were far from new or in great condition. Let’s dream or suppose someone would give you a car. Let’s go one step further: a car of your choice! Would you forget that it was given to you? Would you accept any restrictions on its use? Could the giver reserve one seat for himself? Which seat would you make available: driver’s, shot-gun, back, or would you install a rumble seat? What restrictions would you place on accepting this gift?

When I think about giving freely, I think of the lyrics to the song “God Forgave My Sin“: “God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name; I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name; And in Jesus’ name I come to you; To share His love as He told me to; He said: ‘Freely, freely, you have received; Freely, freely give; Go in My name, and because you believe; Others will know that I live.” Jesus gives, and maybe we take the credit for His work in our lives. Jesus gives, and maybe we want to change the meaning of Christ’s free gift. Jesus gives, and maybe we set up rules about this gift of salvation. The Lord gives freely, so let’s not keep thinking it is something we need to pay off or take credit for. His grace gives us everything we need to live a godly life. Let’s keep tapping into His free strength to live lives free from sin and death.

To the extent to which you value His gift, you will appreciate the Giver.