The Gift

Sports are meant to spread joy and bring cheer to fans. Giving the gift of sport can change the trajectory of a person’s life. It was announced recently that Major League Baseball superstar, Shohei Ohanti, is giving a gift that will impact many aspiring athletes in his native Japan. He is gifting 60,000 baseball gloves to 20,000 elementary schools.

The definition of a gift is something given willingly to someone without payment. There will be great joy in watching these children receive, unwrap, and get the most out of this gift. It could be life-changing. Imagine the excitement and facial expressions of these children when they receive this gift! They will enjoy the gift for hours on end, holding it close and not letting it go. It also brings great joy to the parents to watch their child filled with passion and excitement.

Let’s look at how gift-giving translates to our spiritual lives. Out of His great love, God gives us the perfect Gift, Jesus Christ. When we receive Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we also receive everlasting life with God in heaven, spiritual gifts and His indwelling Holy Spirit. It can change the trajectory of one’s life.

Some may choose not to accept this gift. They could reject it and miss out on everything God has planned for their lives, including salvation. Others may receive the gift but never open it. It sits on a shelf and collects dust. Could this be the lukewarm Christians that John refers to in Revelation? Then some receive the gift enthusiastically and enjoy every aspect of it daily. They enjoy the present, the presence of God in their lives, and begin to live a purpose-driven, Christ-centered life. They get the most out of it by staying connected to God through daily prayer and reading His Word. They reprioritize their lives and seek Him first, Matthew 6:33. They enjoy spending time with Jesus, holding Him close, thanking God for this marvelous gift, and sharing it with others. The Father looks with great joy on those who receive and engage with The Gift.

R. Bernard once said, “Life is God’s gift to us. What we do with it is our gift to God.” Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15 Let’s give cheer and spread the joy!