A Gift to Not Ignore

By Paul M. Neuberger, Founder & CEO, C-Suite for Christ

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – ?John 3:16

Have you ever put your heart and soul into finding the “perfect gift” for someone … only to never see them use it?

Maybe it was a book you knew they’d love. Months later, you saw it on their shelf, covered in thick dust … obviously never read.

Or perhaps it was an item of clothing that fit their style - yet, in your ensuing interactions, you never once saw them wear it.

You might have felt disappointed—maybe even resentful—because you had invested energy and emotion in finding a gift you believed would enrich their life.

You used precious time to acquire it. Obviously, you spent money, too.

Ever think our Holy Father might feel the same way?

God blesses us daily with more gifts than we can comprehend. Maybe we pray in gratitude daily, weekly, or less often. Hopefully, we do thank Him at some point for His abundant generosity.

One holy gift, though, stands above all. It proves God loves us more than we’ll ever know.

Do we accept it?

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – ?John 14:6

God grants us eternal salvation, pouring His love into our hearts. He allows us to go to heaven. Is there anything that even remotely compares?

This is a gift beyond description. Nothing in the world can come close. We don’t deserve, nor have we earned this gift. Yet, all we need to do to accept it is open our hearts to Christ, through Whom we are granted a relationship with God.

It’s all pretty hard to comprehend. Ultimately, it’s a question of free will. Will we accept His priceless gift? Or will we turn away and choose instead to indulge in the earthly sins that Satan dangles?

Every day, we fight a battle between good and evil. Decisions abound. When making choices, if an option is not of God or Scripture, we should avoid it.

Doing so allows God to keep working within us, strengthening our claim to the eternal gift He bestows.

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s, but born of God.” – ?John 1:12-13

We can’t earn our way into heaven. Only accepting God’s gift of eternal salvation –embracing Christ as our Savior – gets us there.

Still, this flies in the face of common mores. We’re accustomed to earning everything. Most Christians have good intentions. They want to serve and be useful.

We’re granted this fantastic gift just … what … because?

Well, it’s like a club everyone would want to belong to if they knew how great it was. Once Christ enters your heart, you’re in the club. Even your bad behavior won’t get you kicked out.

Yeah, the part about forgiveness of sins is pretty great, too.

Do you still want some responsibilities to “earn” your way?

OK. Honor the Great Commission. Bring more people to Christ. Tell others of His gift of salvation, which should minimize our worldly concerns.

Don’t just give God lip service. Pray and repent. Look forward to His glory, not backward.

Be open to Scriptural teachings. Meditate on them, and share with others.

If we fix our eyes on God, He will not disappoint us.

Inviting the Living God to live in us assures receipt of His all-powerful gift … one for which no one will have any regrets.

To contact Paul M. Neuberger, please email him at [email protected].

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