What Would You Give?
Many are focused on the giving and getting of presents and gifts during this holiday season. During this time of the year, it is also common to hear folks remark on the ‘commercialization’ of the season. Those who make these comments are usually accusing others of “losing the spirit” of the season. Many are rushing here or there, buying this or that, or anxiously awaiting the arrival of that precious ordered item they anticipate will bring someone joy. Some go to great lengths and put a lot of effort into preparing and presenting foods for gatherings, all designed to make people ‘happy’ as they come together for a short time so they can have ‘joy’ or happiness, that is at best, fleeting.
I cannot think of anyone that does not desire happiness. But I can think of a number of folks that are refusing to ‘give up’ things of this life so they can be happy forever. As we seek to provide ‘momentary joy’ for others in providing gifts, we give our time and efforts to purchase or ‘kraft’ things for them. Folks often quote the Lord, and the Words given to the apostle Paul by the Spirit as he likely concluded his last conversation with the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:35. He said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
How often do we give of ourselves to ensure that others can ‘lay hold’ on that which is not fleeting, but lasts forever? Also, how often do we put real effort into making sure we ourselves are preparing properly? The Spirit had Paul show how much he cared for the souls of others as He had him write: “I will very gladly spend and be spent for you;” in 2Cor. 12:15. Paul was ready to “give of himself” for the benefit of others. Paul, and others of the past went to great lengths, gave up much, and suffered much hardship so others could know of the gospel of Christ and be saved.
The gospel is taught so folks can make an informed choice. We are told the gospel “is the power of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16), but the gospel won’t save unless or until it is believed and obeyed. What are we willing to give or ‘give up’ to gain eternal joy? The things of ‘happiness’ of this life are indeed as fleeting as life itself. The things of this earth will pass away. But eternal things are forever. Perhaps this was what was on the mind of my wife’s dad, O. D. Wilson, as he penned the following poem many years ago. We should all ask ourselves what would we give to have eternal bliss? Each individual is responsible for his or her own soul. God and Christ gave all so you could have the choice. What would you give to have what they offer?
What Would You Give?
What would you give, ever to live
Free from all suff’ring and pain?
Where there’s no heartaches, wrongs to forgive,
No sad partings again.
But while we’re here things we hold dear
All must perish, vanish away.
Jesus has promised He will be near,
Walk with you all of the way.
What would you give to have a true Friend,
When you cross the Jordan so wide?
One on whom you can ever depend,
When you must cross the dark tide.
Jesus is that Friend Who will be true,
Land you safely over the foam.
All that you need He’ll give unto you,
Then you can live in that Home.
If you are lost, think of the cost,
That the Lord paid on that day.
Gave His own life to save us from Hell,
When we like sheep were astray.
Think of such love sent from above,
Now is the time to prepare.
Better obey the gospel today,
So He will welcome you there.
O. D. Wilson – deceased
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
