It’s a gift. Share it freely!

Freely you have received; freely give.

Psalm 16:5-6

Maybe you had one too – an uncle or aunt, a grandpa or grandma who never failed to bring a gift when they visited. Maybe it was a box of expensive kids’ cereal your mom would never get, or a whole sleeve of candy bars, or two dollar bills doled out with a smile. But the gift would come with a caveat, sometimes understood and sometimes spoken, “Share this with your siblings.” It was a gift meant to be shared. It was a gift that would bless others too.

Jesus gave his disciples a gift – a mission to share the good news about his life, death, and resurrection. He also promised to give them the power to carry out this mission. Jesus equipped them with all they would need for their mission. If they lacked something, God would provide it through other people. So Jesus sent them out with these words ringing in their ears, “Freely you have received; freely give.”

As we consider living life shrewdly, isn’t that the best motivation? It begins with recognizing that the things we call our own are really gifts from our gracious God. During this time of year around Thanksgiving and leading into Christmas, we ask God to help focus our hearts on his gifts and blessings that only come by his gracious hand. God always takes care of us through normal channels or even through miracles. And he always teaches us something about his faithfulness in the process.

That means that our possessions, our finances, our time, and our talents are not to be held with clenched fists and furrowed brow shouting, “It’s mine and I’ll use it how I want!” How much time and energy we have wasted doing that! How many relationships have been strained or opportunities in our lives and our church missed because of selfishness! No, we confess our greed and selfishness with a changed attitude. All we have is for God’s glory and for the good of our neighbor.

To live a shrewd life is to recognize the mercy and grace of God who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all. God sent his Son into this world, born in a manger, to live and die for us. He suffered for our sins and selfishness to earn our complete forgiveness, peace with God, and eternity in heaven. Jesus rose from the grave with power and authority. He is the one who will be with us and provide our every need. He gave us free forgiveness, free eternal life, and free blessings every day! These are gifts he want us to share. We give back to him in thankfulness to support the preaching and teaching of his Word among us. We share ourselves, his message, and what we have with our families, neighbors, and those in need. These are all gifts from a gracious God. Share them freely with the goal of making a connection and sharing the message of Jesus with them too. “Freely you have received; freely give.”