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Are you seeking the gifts or the Giver?

As we live Christmas today, I want to invite you to reflect on a profound question that can transform our hearts and our lives: Are we seeking the gifts or the Giver? In a world filled with opportunities, blessings, and material possessions, it's easy to become enamored with what we can receive rather than focusing on the source of all goodness—God Himself.

Sometimes, we get so caught up in seeking God's presents that we forget all about His presence! God wants every believer to remain in His presence and have a personal relationship with Him just like you would with any other friend.

King David knew the importance of seeking God's presence and dwelling with Him. In Psalm 27:4, David writes, One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. David set himself to seek and require one thing--God's presence.

The next two verses (Psalm 27:5-6) tell us the rewards of seeking God: For in the day of trouble, He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at His tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.

The Gifts:
God blesses us abundantly in various ways. We receive success, health, relationships, and even spiritual gifts. These blessings, while valuable and cherished, can sometimes distract us from the source from which they flow. In the Book of James, we are reminded, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17). It is crucial to recognize that while the gifts can bring us joy, they are not the ultimate goal.

The rewards of seeking God are awesome; not only will you develop a closer relationship with God, but you will also find true joy and contentment.

Psalm 16:11 says: You will fill me with joy in your presence. In other words, joy is found in God's presence--not His presents! Therefore, evaluate your life to ensure you seek God, not just His gifts.

The Giver:
The true essence of our faith lies in our relationship with the Giver. God desires a personal connection with us, one that goes beyond mere transactional interactions. He wants us to seek Him, to know Him, and to love Him—not just for what He gives us but for who He is. In Jeremiah 29:13, we are told, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Our pursuit should be of God Himself.

The Danger of Misplaced Priorities:
When we focus more on the gifts rather than the Giver, we risk developing a consumeristic mindset. We may find ourselves treating God like a vending machine, placing our requests, and expecting immediate fulfillment. This approach can lead to disappointment and a fractured relationship with God when things don't go our way. True fulfillment comes from knowing and trusting in God, not just the blessings He might bestow.

Biblical Examples:
Consider the story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42). Martha was busy preparing and serving, distracted by the gifts of hospitality, while Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, seeking the Giver of life. Jesus gently reminded Martha that Mary had chosen the better part that could not be taken away. Similarly, in our lives, we are called to prioritize our relationship with God over our daily responsibilities and distractions.

Seeking the Giver:
To turn our hearts back to the Giver, we can practice gratitude. Instead of merely listing our blessings, let’s cultivate a spirit of thankfulness that acknowledges the source. Engage in prayer and worship that focus on God’s attributes—His love, wisdom, and grace. Spend time in His Word, not just as a means of seeking encouragement but as a way to delve deeper into understanding His nature.

In the pursuit of our faith, let’s ensure that we are not merely seeking gifts at Christmas. Instead, let our hearts long for the Giver—the one who loves us unconditionally and desires an intimate relationship with us. As we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find that the gifts He provides reflect His goodness and love. Remember, the Giver is always more significant than the gifts. May we embrace the fullness of life found in Him alone. Amen.