The Gift

"Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”” - Matthew 22:34-40 NIV

I once ordered a specially made item for one of my daughters from an out of state company. It was something that I thought was pretty cool and was saddened to find that it would not be delivered to me for Christmas but some 4-6 weeks later.

I received the gift a few weeks earlier than I expected (though still after Christmas). So, I prepared it for my daughter and surprised her with it one day after school.

She loved it. And I could tell by the look on her face that she really did and it wasn’t just a put on. She thought it was very cool and was excited to receive it. A friend who was close by also saw the gift and thought it was pretty cool as well.

However, that was over 7 years ago and she has yet to take the gift out in public. Yet to take it anywhere with her for fear of what others might think or say. For fear of being teased or laughed at. Never mind what she thinks about the gift. Never mind her love for it. The fear of popular opinion has not allowed her to take it with her. Even though others may actually like it too.

But isn’t that just like us and our relationship with Jesus?

We are grateful for the grace and forgiveness He has given us. We are grateful for that free gift. However, it’s real difficult for us to wear Him out in public. It’s real difficult to stand up at times. Real difficult to stand alone at times. Real difficult to shine at times for fear of what the world around us might say or think. For fear of ridicule. For fear that even our friends might laugh at us.

Not realizing that others may be having the same struggles. The same fears. Might just be waiting for someone like you (or me) to stand up for Jesus.

He gave us a free gift that we openly and gratefully accepted. Now it’s up to us to stand up and humbly yet proudly wear our new life... gladly wear our salvation and shine for all the world to see..

Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem