If we recognize that everything is from God—may we remember that the Bible literally says “all things are from him” (Romans 11:36), that he is stunningly sovereign—then we can begin to see that no good thing is merited, random, or insignificant. We know all is from God. “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). Such a conviction sets us up to receive God’s gifts in the way that draws us closer to him.

The previous post discussed the two opposite ways we can receive God’s gifts. One one hand, God’s gifts can (ironically) lead us to turn from God, as we cherish the gift and neglect the Giver. On the other hand, we can receive God’s gifts in a way that draws us closer to him. We don’t devalue the gifts in this option. Rather we properly value them, bringing us joy and God glory.

But How? Two Ideas to Keep in Mind

Many of us understand these two options with God’s gifts. In the Old and New Testament God teaches that his gifts can either lead to idolatry or worship.

The question that takes rigor is to ask: How do we receive them in such a way that draws us nearer to him? We know his gifts can lead us down opposite paths. But how do we receive them for his glory and our good?

Do we need to stop everything we’re doing during every little blessing from God and consciously direct ourselves his way in prayer? Do we, for example, have to stop laughing with our friends so that we can pray and thank God for the laugh? I don’t think so. God didn’t design us to work this way.

Do we need to downplay his gifts? Do we need to try to focus instead on more “spiritual” things such as salvation, Christ, the gospel, and the glory to come? Yes and no. Yes: “Set your minds on things above” (Colossians 3:1); Christ is better than anything here (Philippians 3:7-8). But also, no: Downplaying his gifts will rip him, the Giver, of due glory (and us of the joy of receiving his gifts).

Then how?

We can strive to keep two broad ideas in mind as we live a life loaded with God’s gifts. As we do so, I think we’ll be surprised how much God’s various gifts can lead us into more fellowship with him.

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