Ben Seewald
"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." - James 1:16-17
Every good and perfect gift is from God. Here are some quick thoughts:
1) Gifts are given freely, and not earned.
If you earn something by your actions, it is your wages--your just and due compensation. If you aren't paid something you've earned it is considered an injustice. Now God created us for Himself and He therefore owns us as Creator (Col. 1:16). As a result, we owe God our very life breath, and He owes us nothing (except for wrath and damnation because of our sin, but that's another Devo). This fact should cause us to realize just how much we have been gifted by God and live in perpetual gratitude to Him.
2) This completely eliminates all grounds for boasting. Superstar athletes, for example, are often referred to as "highly gifted individuals".Too many times stars, celebrities, highly skilled professionals, politicians and other well knowns can be prideful and boastful. Even people who feel like they are less gifted often take great pride in how hard they work. Let this be clear, humanity may boast in itself, but there are no valid grounds for it. The glory all belongs to God, "in whom we live, and move, and have our being" (Acts 17:28). Your eyes couldn't see these words if God hadn't given you sight; Your brain couldn't make sense of these words if God didn't give you sanity; And the athlete couldn't have scored the touchdown, or made the game winning three-pointer if God hadn't freely given the ability.
3) The greatest gift God has given us is salvation through Jesus. "For God so loved the world, that HE GAVE His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16 [emphasis added]). This gift was costly--so costly that we will never know the extent of it. But The God-Man Jesus sacrificed Himself to free all who believe in Him, from the punishment we deserved. He stood in our place as our substitute, taking on himself our infinite sin debt, and He gives believers His infinite Holiness that He earned while living on this earth. This is the "gift of God" as Ephesians 2:8-9 tell us, "not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
So remember, all the glory to God for every good and perfect gift, especially His Good and Perfect Son, offered as the ultimate gift to save those who believe on Him!
Comments 1-13 of 13
lynni jay
04/12/2016 04:51 PM
There are ads all over this page! People might think that you are just posting for money.
Kathleen Motyka
12/26/2015 05:26 PM
Amy,
You are worthy because you have His life on the inside of you and that makes you like Him. That's why you know you're worthy and no one can take this knowledge away from you. You can give it away but no one can take it away. It's a beautiful thing to have the indwelling life of Jesus on the inside and this doesn't come with a particular church affiliation. It comes directly from Him and your willingness to listen to him when he speaks to you in there will strengthen you in the days ahead.
Kathleen
Amy McKay
11/21/2015 02:25 PM
Hi. I have a genuine question and not meant to put down, disparage or be critical in any way what so ever. I am aware that you get much hate and derogatory messages so I ask that you read this with your Christian heart and not reply in selected scripture but an honest way. I have been raised Christian. Greek orthodox and then baptised in the Catholic church. i am wondering why, and i have also studied theology, that is the history of religion unbiased, that i am now by the posting i am reading on Duggar and Dillard ministries as well as musings from Mr Seewald, that i am summarily deemed a non christian. The christian faith with most of its demoninations, longstanding historically, does not decern between christians nor there practice in knowing our Lord. As a Christian and one who quietly an without advertisement or ego, does practice faithfully , most particularly in action, I am wondering really why I am now " not a Christian" based on my denomination, and some extreme faction telling me so, or any person with an opinion when , yes I a Christian,and why I should be fearful and constantly reminding myself that I am a sinner. We enjoy a wonderful life. We are by far monetarily rich but we lead a rich life and giving life. Why am I therefore not worthy. Because I know I am and I know our Lord is not discriminating and hateful. Respectfully
Sandra Daviz
11/20/2015 06:47 AM
I don't know, but it seems to me that posting never ending selfies on social networking is in itself boastful.
E Hanna
11/19/2015 10:45 PM
Ben & Jessa,
Congratulations on your new baby boy, and thank you for this post. Very thought provoking and wise advice. Keep spreading the good news! Love and blessings to you and your families.
1 Timothy 4:12
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
Linda Tillman
11/19/2015 12:11 PM
I can't believe that you condemn anybody considering you don't have a job, you don't go to college and you live off the money the Duggars have made. You don't own your own house. All you and your wife do is post selfies almost daily. Your wife is up the next day after giving birth and having a blood transfusion made up posing for photos. You and all the Duggars are grifters. Jim and Michelle own over 4 million in property, have two airplanes, 5 businesses and made millions but as soon as their show was cancelled, they were asking for donations. They are millions and the only thing they did for it was have sex and babies that they barely take care of. They palm them off on the other poor girls in that family. Little boy you need to go away and get an education and a job'
babette lock
11/18/2015 05:30 PM
mahalo for sharing, i remember your family in my prayers, stay strong in CHRIST
Sarah-Jane Badger
11/18/2015 04:59 PM
Thank you for all your devotions I really enjoy reading and contiplating them. God has given you a wonderful gift have you thought of of being a minister?
wanda
11/18/2015 10:37 AM
Amen and Glory be to God. Salvation is a wonderful thing to know and have. Thank God for his mercy and grace. Be Blessed.
Nicole Fisher
11/18/2015 08:53 AM
Thank you for this thought-provoking devotional. I'm sure that the idea of God providing us with His Son to wash away our sins is an especially moving thought for the both of you right now, considering your becoming parents to a beautiful baby boy. May God's love surround you and your family and may you all continue to walk in the light. Congratulations.
B W
11/18/2015 08:27 AM
AMEN !! I think maybe you have the gift of teaching. For it seems you have been very well taught. Use this ability to lead your family (your first priority) then reach others with the truth. Thanks for sharing! Very refreshing to hear young people walking in truth!! Blessings !! :-)
Elizabeth smith
11/17/2015 10:38 PM
Thank you Ben enjoyed your devotion
Mary Guy
11/17/2015 09:01 PM
Thank you very much Ben !!