[This post is adapted from the devotions I led at the arts camp last week.]
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8–9 NIV)
James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” Each of us is a gift given by God to our families, our friends, and the world. Each of us was created by the Father to be a gift in this world.
Sometimes in this world, it’s hard to see ourselves in the way God sees us. We may wonder why we were created or why we are alive. Sometimes we get caught up in thoughts that aren’t of God—like:
I am a mistake.
I am not worth anything.
I don’t really have a purpose.
Those are lies from the enemy of our souls. God’s Word says:
“God created my inmost being; He knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise Him because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” Psalm 139:13–14 (NIV)
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Those truths don’t depend on your feelings, your achievements, or other people’s opinions. They rest on what God says about you. God says you were created to be His handiwork, and He has good plans for you and your future. God says you are a gift from God to this world.
If you gave me a gift and then I stomped all over it, how do you think you would feel? What happens if I ignore the gift or even just destroy it?
What did we say that God says about you? I am a gift created by God for His good plans and purposes.
What do you think God’s response is if He says we are precious and then we view ourselves as worthless?
What do you think God’s response is if He says He has good plans for our lives, but we don’t want to do what God wants?
What do you think God’s response is if we take the gifts He gives us—friends, family, calling, identity, purposes, plans, talents—and just ignore them or stomp on them, maybe even just throw them away?
I think God is sad and disappointed when we don’t honor the gift we are and the gifts He gives us.
Giver of All Good Gifts,
Thank You for the beautiful ways in which You see us and the wonderful gifts You give us. Help us to be good stewards of the gifts we are—and the gifts You give us—we pray in Jesus’ name.
AMEN.