“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these, He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature.” 2 Peter 1:3-4a NIV
Many of us carry fond memories of laboring over letters to Santa Claus. We wanted to be as honest as possible in touting our gift-worthy virtues and actions without grossly overstating the truth. But we didn’t want to be so truthful that we disqualified ourselves from deserving anything other than a lump of coal. Oh, the moral dilemmas we faced as children!
It’s funny. As a Mimi, I don’t recall ever receiving a Christmas wishlist from one of my five grandkids that listed qualifications for receiving a gift, other than being my grandchild. They have always known that if they asked for something, Grandpa and Mimi would move heaven and earth to give it to them. Our grandkids know that they are greatly cherished and dearly loved.
And we are beyond delighted whenever we can give a gift or do something for our grands that makes them happy.
We’re blessed to have sweet, loving, and reasonable grandkids – they’ve never been outlandish in their requests. But they’ve never been bashful either. Since they were tots, I’ve asked them for their Christmas and birthday lists each year. And every year, I receive lists offering all sorts of purchasing options. They love it – I love it – the Retailers (aka Amazon) love it!
They enthusiastically accept their gifts, and everyone is happy.
Whatever the relationship, most of us can relate to someone with whom we have a similar relationship. It pleases us when we can unselfishly show that person(s) kindness.
And yet, we become bashful when it comes to asking for and accepting the abundant array of gifts that our Heavenly Father has prepared for us. Gifts that He wants to give to us. Gifts that He would lavish upon us, if only we would ask.
James, the Leader of the Jerusalem Church, and the brother of Jesus, wrote: “You don’t have, because you don’t ask! Or you ask and don’t receive, because you ask selfishly and for the wrong things.” (James 4:2b-3-my translation)
James’ message to the Jewish believers rings true today. We either don’t ask or the items on our “list” don’t align with God’s purposes for us or with the good things He has planned for us.
Our worldly passions too often drive our request list and our prayers.
In 2 Peter 1:3-11, Peter wrote that God has given believers everything needed to live godly lives. In fact, God invited us to take part in His “own glory and excellence.” And even more, “He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature.”
And because of that amazing proclamation, Peter says, “Here are the items that belong on your gift list. These are the things you need to grow in your faith.”
- Virtue – moral excellence, or goodness
- Knowledge – a deeper, more perfect understanding of God’s Truth
- Self-control – a mastery of your desires and passions
- Steadfastness – purposeful and deliberate perseverance
- Godliness – reverence and respect toward God, and in lifestyle
- Brotherly Affection – brotherly kindness or love, mutual affection
- Love – a deep and selfless, God-type of love
Friends, these are the gifts that truly keep on giving. Peter writes, “If you have and practice these qualities, you’ll never fall. If you continue to grow in the qualities, you will be effective and fruitful.”
Peter said that as long as he had breath, he would continue to remind believers to ask for and pursue the good gifts that God has created and wants to provide to His children, so that their welcome in heaven will be glorious.
My grandchildren knew they didn’t have to convince us that they deserved the gifts they asked for – they knew they were loved and that we wanted the best for them.
Neither do we have to convince our Heavenly Father to give us the gifts that He has set aside for all of His children. We simply have to ask in faith, believing that God will give us what we need most when the timing is right. God is pleased when His children ask for the things that He wants to give us.
My days of writing letters to a make-believe Santa are long past. Today, my focus, and I hope yours as well, is asking for the best gifts possible – gifts that have eternal value. I want gifts that will draw me closer to God and can be used to bless and encourage others to seek a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father.
So, I ask you, my friend, “What’s on your Christmas list this year?”
“And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” 1 John 5:14 ESV