The Real Gift

Tuesday, January 18, 2000

VERSE:
   For you know that it was not with perishable things such as
silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life
handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious
blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
    -- 1 Peter 1:18-19, New International Version
       <http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?1+Peter+1:18-19>

THOUGHT:
   Things. You know that sayings, "the one with the most toys at the end is the one who wins. This drive and this determining element in our life can be the fall of all we know and all we are truly about. Don't misunderstand me, there are certain things I want, such as a nice home to retire in, a specific type of car, if not two, nice closes, the same for Amy, my wife. When we have children, I want them to be able to do the types of things they want to do, teach them history by traveling to different places and allow them to go to what ever school it is they chose. I would love to have a kitchen that would allow me to cook and experiment with different styles, take some culinary courses on the side, etc. You get the picture. I have dreams, wants and desires. Our free will is a gift from God. theses wants and desires are what lead us to God. While these dreams and wishes or even goals, might make us feel or comfortable, the real satisfaction comes from somewhere else. These things are like drinks that leave you still thirsty.

But listen to the Good News, we are redeemed from an empty way of life, one in which we remain thirsty through Christ, who quenches our thirst. Know without a doubt in your heart, Christ's gift of life, of love, of hope, fills each and every deep need we have. Those dreams, wants, desires and goals, though they may be unattainable, become secondary when we have the redemptive power of Christ directing our life!