"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17). James reminds us that it is God who knows best what we need, and He gives the best gifts. Furthermore, He reminds us that the God of Heaven does not change. As is said of Jesus, Who is God, He is "the same yesterday, and today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). It remains that God is the best gift-giver and unchanging. Let us use the word "gift" to be reminded about our God. G.I.F.T. — God. Is. Faithful. & True.
God is Faithful. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, "God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:9). Corinth was equipped with everything they needed to be spiritually mature. Likewise, He has equipped the church with everything we need to be spiritually mature. Let us be reminded: (1) He created us (Genesis 1:26–27), (2) He has called us (1 Corinthians 1:9), He will cleanse you if you will obey Him ("the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ"), and He will care for us (equip us with every thing we need to worship Him, practice the truth, and teach the truth).
God is True. John the Immerser preached of Jesus, "He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true" (Johh 3:33). God is true, whether we believe Jesus or not, but those who believe Him are further testimony to Him being the true Son of God with the true Message of God. Therefore, there is the responsibility to live as true disciples—to live in such a way that others say: "That person is a child of God."
The greatest gift God has given is that of His Son. "The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Have you accepted that gift? We cannot say we have accepted His gift yet refuse to obey Him. As the song goes, "Time is filled with swift transition, Naught of earth unmoved can stand, Build your hopes on things eternal, Hold to God’s unchanging hand."
