“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Col. 3:17
Needing to find a receipt for tax purposes, I emptied the ‘glove box’ in the consul of my truck. I don’t know WHY they call it that? I’ve never kept gloves in there! But I DID find found enough junk in there I COULD call it a STY box! The evidence shows – I am a pig!
Have you ever heard the explanation or concept of a White Elephant? The King of Siam would sometimes bestow a white elephant to someone he didn’t like as a gift, since the maintenance and cost of keeping it FAR outweighed the gift itself. Receiving elephant was an honor, and not one that could be rejected. But if the recipient was not REALLY wealthy, it would often lead to their financial ruin! Almost like acquiring a used BOAT!!!
This made me think of the free Gift God gives to me in the offer of His son, Jesus Christ. Since He is God and already KNOWS the thoughts and intents of my heart, I cannot surprise Him. He already knows what I think about Him and His gift. AND whether I appreciate and want Him or not! The biggest difference, is God’s Free Gift doesn’t just show up with an obligation to receive Him. I must willingly want and ask for Him!
In reading the verse above, two words jump out quickly. ‘Whatever’ and ‘all.’ Meditating on my life and holding it up to that verse is like standing on a scale which makes me question if Jesus Christ really carries all the wight in my life! Sometimes, I feel like that rich young ruler in Mark 10. You know the story where the expectation for eternal life is expressed by Jesus to a self called ‘do-good-er!’ “Go and sell everything you have, give it to the poor, and follow me!” It became the straw that broke the white elephant’s back!!!
When I made the great exchange with God years ago, I traded MY life for His. I heard that His eternal life was a free gift and I jumped all over it! A decision I have NEVER regretted. BUT… I didn’t realize that it came with BIG White Elephant expectations! Over the years I have learned that God’s expectation is that I grow up to LOOK and ACT like Jesus! He expects me to do what HE would do as He leads and guides me!
Sometimes, in rebellion, I have grown to I miss His hand of guidance and peace, when I step out of His will and into my own. But even then, His absence becomes a compass that points me back. I have found that this God of expectation is just like that BIG white elephant! He wants ALL of me! Which isn’t a bad thing at all…since I get ALL of HIM in return! Not a bad trade for a pig!
How do YOU see God’s Gift and…what’s in YOUR barn?
