The Gifted Life
Tuesday December 24, 2013
A favorite Christmas song of many is “The Little Drummer Boy.” In spite of being a little guy with not very much, the little drummer boy “gets it.” He wants to do something lovely for the new king but initially, doesn’t know how. He’s not a rich wise man. He doesn’t have anything even close to gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The little drummer boy thinks and he realizes that while he may not have an expensive present to give to Jesus, He can play his drum for him. And so he does and as the song goes, “The ox and lamb kept time … I played my drum for Him ….. I played my best for Him …”.
Using what he had, the little drummer boy took a risk, reached out and offered his gift to Jesus. There’s recognition when he’s done playing that it was a good thing, a lovely gift, and the right thing because the last line of the song says, “Then he (Jesus) smiled at me …. Me and my drum.”
One of the wonderful ways we can live in a new way is the leaving behind of our self-centered, self-pitying “poor me” ways. God has given each of us gifts to share. We can live the “gifted” life and bless God and others so that we regularly see and enjoy the “smile” of God. It’s not about having a lot of money and influence. It’s about receiving, recognizing, and enjoying what we have been given. It’s in our desire to bless someone else.
In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. (Romans 12:6, James 1:16-18 NLT)
Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. (1 Timothy 4:14-15 NLT)
What have we received from God? God wants to give us new life. Have we received it? If not, why not accept Him today? When Jesus comes to live in us He fills us with good gifts. What gifts do I have? What abilities? What time? In what small or large ways can I offer something to another person that will bring a smile to their face because their heart has been touched? What gifts of thankfulness and worship will I offer to Jesus this Christmas season? Perhaps you may choose to acknowledge who He is – the great and glorious King!
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