You give the Nintendo Switch to your young nephew. He unboxes it and starts playing with it. He does not give you a glance after that. How do you feel? Does he appreciate the gift? Decidedly. Does he appreciate you, the giver? Not so much.
The adage “seek the give, not the gift” is a common Christian sentiment. It is often used to encourage a focus on God rather than material possessions. While this principle seems sound, it is important to consider the unique nature of Jesus Christ.
It is true that God, the giver is ultimately more important than any gift – your life, your children, your job, your dog, etc. However, Jesus Christ is both a giver and a gift. In fact, Jesus is not just any gift, he is the ultimate gift. He is the embodiment of God’s love, grace, and mercy.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16)
When we seek Jesus, we are seeking both the giver and the gift. We are seeking the source of life, the healer of wounds, and the redeemer of souls. To separate the two is to diminish the fullness of who Jesus is.
In fact, to focus solely on the giver without appreciating the gift leads to a legalistic and joyless spirituality. It creates a sense of obligation rather than gratitude. True worship involves both reverence for the giver and appreciation for the gift.
In our Christian walk, let us remember that Jesus is both the given and the gift. Let us seek him with all our hearts, minds, and souls. Let us rejoice in the incredible gift of salvation that he offers.
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