November 19, 2006
Gifts Without Guilt
READ: James 1:13-21
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights. —James 1:17
Kara and April left central Russia and traveled across six time zones to attend a retreat in Tallinn, Estonia, for women serving the Lord in Eastern Europe. Because of fogged-in airports and diverted flights, they had to spend an extra $600 on air expenses. Kara felt guilty about leaving her husband to care for their two young children and to run their ministry. The unplanned financial burden added to her guilt, and she e-mailed her husband that she was having difficulty enjoying the retreat.
He told her not to worry about the extravagance and said, “God is, after all, the God who made us heirs with Him and co-heirs with Christ. The God who gave Eve to Adam. The Father who loves to give good gifts to His children. Heaven is the ultimate of this . . . but I also think that He has given us gifts to be enjoyed—and a time to enjoy them. And this time, for you, is now. Don’t worry—sacrifice is waiting for you aplenty when you get home.” We can benefit from his response.
As Kara was able then to enjoy the retreat, we too, as God’s children, can let ourselves enjoy without guilt the good things He sends our way (1 Tim. 6:17). We, in turn, can use those good gifts to bless others.
Gifts that have a hidden guilt attached,
The blessings we receive from God our Father
Come to us by grace—and they’re unmatched! —Hess