Read James 1:16-18
Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. (James 1:16-18)
We can receive various kind of gifts. There are evil gifts. I might receive an anonymous SMS informing me that if I did not cease contributing Peter’s Pithy Pointers to The Micah Mandate, I would be in great danger and that this comes as a final warning. Then there are unwanted gifts. Betty is celebrating her birthday and a friend walks in with a present. Betty opens it and looks at 3½ meters of dress material. “How beautiful,” she exclaims. She is speaking the truth. The material is beautiful but the colour and pattern are both quite unsuitable for Betty and she will never make it into a dress for herself. (However, in this case, it can be given to Salvation Army and find a welcome recipient!). Then there are good gifts which God directs, using His children by creation and by adoption as His channels. A kind neighbour, who is a Hindu, supplies us with lunch every day and also provisions for our dinners. Betty and I can never cease to thank God for the support and many gifts from our Christian friends when we have been hospitalized. Whilst always being thankful for the many good gifts God bestows on us we must also remember the words of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35).
Finally, there is the good and perfect gift. This comes directly from God and needs no human channel. Note how God is described as the “Father of heavenly lights.” Unlike the shifting shadows, our Father does not change. His creation is one of His good and perfect gifts. “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31a). Much of this good creation has been spoilt by the sin of mankind and God, in His love and mercy, has given us a new creation which we will consider tomorrow.
Thank you, Lord, for every good and perfect gift.
This meditation is extracted from “Transformation from Belief to Behaviour: 39 Lenten Meditations on the Letter of James” by Peter Young and used with permission by the author. It may be used solely for personal, noncommercial, and informational purposes. Republication or redistribution of this devotional is prohibited.
The Micah Mandate is a Christian-based public interest advocacy ministry that seeks a transformation of our nation through justice, mercy and humility.
