Honoring Through Enjoyment

January 27, 2009

Lar,

This past weekend, we took a trip to Izmir (ancient Smyrna) as a family for the All-Star Game. On the way home, we stopped at a toy store and picked up a few things. For Elijah: a sweet basketball hoop (a must in the Crispin household of course). And Abby: a Doll House.

These were two items we had been looking for since we knew we would return here next season. Anyhow, after setting them up for the kids when we returned home, I could not help but reflect upon the fact that my greatest joy was found not in being thanked for the gifts, but in watching my two children enjoy them with an unspoken thanksgiving.

Now, for their own good, we made sure they expressed their thanksgiving, but it was their unspoken joy in enjoying their gifts that brought me greatest joy. Naturally, these reflections made me think about how we can best honor the Lord with the gifts He bestows upon us. No doubt, we should give thanks, but this expression should be the inevitable overflow of a joy-filled, childlike heart, a heart that readily immerses itself in the enjoyment of a God-given gift.

I have a feeling that many of us might have difficulty in joyfully immersing ourselves in the good of God’s gifts, for fear that we might make an idol out of it (or them). And although that is a legitimate fear, we should not allow such a fear to dishonor God by keeping us from joyfully embracing the good things He gives us. It is not wise to run to such extremes.

In my view, it seems wiser to immerse ourselves in the good of the gift, with the understanding that we might enjoy it in such a way that we forget God. If we make such a mistake, let us run to the cross and then give thanks for the forgiveness that is already ours. That way, we honor Him by enjoying what He has given us and by trusting in the sacrifice He has provided for enjoyment displaced.

Seeking to enjoy God’s gifts as I ought,
Joe

Posted by Joe | Filed Under Random Musings, Seeking Him 

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