For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:11 NIV).

It’s a joy to watch children run downstairs Christmas Morning and find gifts waiting under the tree.  The excitement on their faces is fun to watch; especially when it’s a gift they’ve been hoping to receive.  Those gifts are given to the children because they are loved and cherished by the one who gave it to them.

So it is with us. We are loved and cherished by our Lord Jesus Christ. He has the gift of eternal life for us. We don’t have to earn it, all He asks that we do is believe on Him and receive Him as our Lord and savior (John 3:16).

It’s good to remind ourselves that we don’t have to read our Bibles enough, or pray enough, or memorize enough scripture. We don’t have to earn brownie points with God. Yes, those things are good, but we must remember that what He has for us is a gift from Him. Did those children on Christmas morning have to work for those gifts? They did not, they only had to receive them, and hopefully they said thank you to the giver.

Have you put more requirements on yourself than God has? His gift is just that, a gift.

Father, help me to just receive your gift of eternal life, and know that you are the one who works in me to will and to act according to your good purposes (Philippians 2:13). I don’t have to work on myself first. I can bring you all of myself, knowing and trusting that you are a God of restoration, and that you will never reject me. Take me as I am Lord, and make me right with you. I put myself into your hands. Thank you for never letting me go, and accepting me just as I am.

© 2012 Carolyn Rice