The presents have now been opened and the wrapping paper has been wadded up and thrown into a bag to be taken out with the trash. All of the time and care put into wrapping these presents was gone in just a few seconds. From the selection of the appropriate paper to the perfectly squared off corners and the right amount of tape, all of this wrapping has been cast aside. I’d like to say the wrap was a fond memory, but I honestly cannot remember the print on the paper. That it was blue and red is all that I actually remember.
We often put a lot of time into dressing up our lives. We can take on self-help plans and spend time studying the best ways to improve our appearance both physically and spiritually. All of this is just an external wrapping to the gift that God has placed in us. He has created us just as we are. “For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].” (Ephesians 2:10 AMP) This is the true gift that we have to offer those around us.
The presents that we have received today are both useful and just plain fun. What was so special to me this year is the thought that my son put in to the gift that he purchased for me. It was not the cost of the items nor the manner in which he wrapped them that was important to me. When I saw the thoughtfulness and heartfelt care that went into the selection of these items I was truly blessed. The same can be said of what my husband gave me. We went very light on the amount of gifts we exchanged this year. Each of the few gifts I received we're so perfectly selected for my personality and my needs. (Even the key finder for which we have to first find my keys to use) I will not miss the paper they were wrapped in. The presents were pretty as they sat under the tree, but the wrapping is already forgotten and I have yet to use and enjoy the items that were inside.
We are being led daily by the Holy Spirit to be a gift to those around us. We can provide much needed encouragement to those who are down. We can provide a helping hand when the load is too heavy for a companion to carry. We can also provide timely laughter and fun to others. It’s not how we look or dress. It’s not saying the correct, practiced words. It’s not even the religious activities that we are involved in. All of these things are simply the wrapping paper that covers the inner spirit. The spirit is the essence of who we are. When the wrapping paper is torn away our true character is revealed. This character is what blesses others.
We don’t need to spend a lot of time or effort on wrapping up who we are with superficial extras. Fake personas or religious works only cover who we are. Rather than working on these wrappings should spend time developing our inner life. The apostle Paul encourages us, “And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it.” (Colossians 3:10 AMP) When we develop and walk in the fruit of the Spirit we will have the qualities that will make us a well-chosen gifts for whoever we encounter. “But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].” (Galatians 5:22-23 AMP)
As you go about life do not be concerned with a superficial image. Although attractive this will be quickly discarded. Developed the beauty within so that you can provide a long-lasting, beneficial gift to others.
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