Where Is Your Focus?

James 1:17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

We are approaching the "season" of giving. I was thinking about this thing of giving. It is always such a blessing to receive. But I enjoy giving much more than receiving. But when receiving the gifts we receive they all come from our Heavenly Father. He chooses to use individuals such as you and me to be the vessel He uses to give those gifts that are given.

When receiving a gift....what do you focus on most? Do you focus most on the gift you received? Do you say with your mouth "Thank you so much" but in your heart you are saying "Why did they get me this...I don't really like this or need this"? That is our flesh feeling that way. Our flesh wants to focus most on that gift. Our flesh doesn't want to recognize the true source of that gift we received. God is that source. The Holy Spirit within us will make us feel genuinely thankful for that gift.

We should always remember that God is the One Who gives the gifts that we receive. He just uses people to give it. Yes He is the giver of the spiritual gifts that we receive each day....grace...mercy...longsuffering...strength...etc. But where do you think that strength comes from for that person to work for the money to purchase the gift you receive? God gives that strength. Where do you think the ability comes from for that person to work that job that provides the money to purchase that gift? God gives it!! So the true source of every gift we receive is God!! Let us not lose sight of that and forget to praise Him and thank Him for those gifts we receive whether they be physical gifts or spiritual gifts.

So as you open those gifts that you receive this time of year....or any time for that matter....remember Who it is that is blessing you with that gift. And when thanking them for it....also thank your Heavenly Father for it.