Gifts appear cultural and normal. However, the motives behind them may not be visible. Accepting them without caution may ruin us unless we are directed by the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5: 15 says be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise. Jesus said in Matthew 16: 26; Mark 8: 36; Luke 9: 25, for what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? Some offers may seem attractive and well-intended yet fraught with evil and mischief.
Sources of gifts offered
God offers gifts. Romans 6: 23 says the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. We must therefore evaluate the gifts people offer us whether or not they will enhance our eternity in Christ Jesus. Satan also makes offers. He said to Jesus in Matthew 4: 9; Luke 4: 7, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus replied, “Away with you, Satan!” Similarly, Simon the magician offered money to the apostles for the Holy Spirit but Peter said in Acts 8: 20, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God’s gift with money! Do not compromise your faith.
In the bible, a man of God told Jeroboam that God would not accept his offering of incense on the altar for human sacrifice and ashes. His hand withered when he pointed it at the man of God. The man of God prayed for him at his request. Upon healing, the king offered in 1Kings 13: 7-9, “Come home with me and dine, and I will give you a gift.” But the man of God said to the king, “If you give me half your kingdom, I will not go in with you; nor will I eat food or drink water in this place. For thus I was commanded by the word of the LORD: You shall not eat food, or drink water, or return by the way that you came.”
Our mission is not for collecting or accepting gifts from people. Our focus must be on God’s instructions on every mission. Although Luke 10: 7 says the labourer deserves to be paid, Jesus also said in Luke 22: 36, “But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. We misinterpret the word for our selfish gains and greed. Hosea 4: 6 says my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Only the Holy Spirit can expose the intentions behind every gift offered and accepted or not.
The nature of some offered gifts
Gifts may be entrapments for many reasons. Proverbs 1: 10 says my child, if sinners entice you, do not consent. Some gifts people bestow on us may be very irresistible or overpowering. Jesus said in Mark 13: 23; Luke 21: 36 be alert; I have already told you everything. Paul said in 1Corinthians 16: 13 keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. We compromise for pittance because we lack faith and knowledge. Ephesians 6: 18 says keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Also, Colossians 4: 2 says devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.
We are entrapped because of greed. Proverbs 8: 18 says riches and honour are with me (God), enduring wealth and prosperity. God is able to provide for our true needs so we need not rush. Isaiah 45: 3 says, I will give you treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who call you by your name. God has so much and enough for everyone in this world. Philippians 4: 19 says and my God will fully satisfy every need of your according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. We must be patient to wait for God’s time. It will soon be our turn.
Can we do without gifts?
Some of us have fallen into accepting gifts unwittingly. Some of us have also relied on our own insights or foolish confidence in ourselves. 1Corinthians 10: 12 says so if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. Proverbs 3: 5 says do not rely on your own insight. It is God alone who gives good gifts or offers. James 1: 17 says every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. We must wait for heavenly gifts rather than rushing for gifts which could destroy us.
Jesus said in Matthew 16: 26; Mark 8: 36; Luke 9: 25 for what shall it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? Zacchaeus chose Jesus over money and said in Luke 19: 8 “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back for times as much. What about us? Can we resist tainted offers? Revelation 2: 10 says be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. There is no free lunch anywhere. James 4: 7 says submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, out of greed, lack of knowledge, and wisdom we have become spiritual slaves through gifts we have received which we should not have. Help us be separated from them for your eternal gift through Christ Jesus. Let our faithfulness be to you rather than what could destroy us. You confess believing in our hearts that you are the most precious gift sent from heaven. Thank you Jesus for hearing our prayer in your name, Amen!!
Send us your prayer request so we may join you in prayer
0 Comments