What will you do with your gift?: Pastor Rajiv's Daily Reflections

What do we do with our gifts? This is an ever-present question. But first, let me point out the difference between a present and a gift.

A Gift is something of value given by one person to another without consideration, out of love, with no expectation of return.

A Present, on the other hand, is something of value given by a person who is invited to attend a function or party, such as, a wedding party, birthday party, marriage-day party etc. Unlike a gift, which is absolutely free, a present is not given absolutely free; there is an understanding of giving and taking — present is given in lieu of taking part in the function or party

We all receive Gods gifts - as blessings. Our nontransferable skills, talents, job etc., are gifts coming from God's blessings. The greatest gift of all was God's gift to mankind, Jesus Christ.

The question is what do we do with these gifts? Ms. Francis Taylor sums it up beautifully when she prays -

"When God blesses us with abundance, even excess, He calls us to share that blessing with others. It’s ok that we harvest our field, meet our own needs, and pay all of our bills. But what do we do with what is left? Instead of hoarding or spending every last penny, let’s find ways, even if they are small ways, to pass blessings on to those in need".

A very familiar sight is described in Mark 12 verses 41 to 44. Have we all not seen this, or done this? 

"41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents".

People observing this (in those times, much as we do today) would have looked down on that widow, sneering at her two coins. But read on...

43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you; this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

"Work through my gifts so that Your grace can be seen and Your love can be experienced by those You have called me to help". - Ms. Francis Taylor