“A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.” (Proverbs 18:16 NKJV)
This passage declares again this world’s reality. A gift can buy privileges and attention of people in power.
‘Great men’ in authority face temptations to compromise their judgment for a gift or favor given by a corrupt and selfish person desiring their help. Rulers are often offered benefits of material things, more fame or more power for promoting the cause of an amoral giver.
But, thankfully we are given lessons to learn from God's holy and written Words. Gifts are good when given for God's glory and to bless others, not for corrupting to harm others for self-gain. Gifts are to be offered as sacrifice of praise unto the Lord. As it is written: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15-16 NIV)
We are all entrusted with gifts from God. Heavenly gifts and talents, He bestows upon us all, special gifts for higher calling. As His children by faith in Christ Jesus, “All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:11 ESV)
And, Apostle Paul gives this admonition: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10 NIV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
No comments:
Post a Comment