Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire
is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have
more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from
Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable
sacrifice, pleasing to God.
-Philippians 4:17-18
An
unusual transaction in my bank account.
I didn’t go in and add money, but
there it was, more than what I had the day before. A gift, apparently, from a donor
for my adventure and to sustain me until I get my first paycheck at the end of
the month. My parents relayed this to me, because they somehow took a few of my
deposit slips from my bank book before I left. My body recoiled against the
news- how dare they deal with my account and go in and add a sum to my account
without my knowledge or permission! I burned with red hot anger and my pride
ruffled and rampaged on the defensive. I’m a grown woman, and I don’t need pity
offerings to keep me on my feet because I’ve chosen the road less traveled for
the past few years and made just enough to break even.
I rushed out a check for the amount
back and slipped it into a letter I wrote to home. I mailed it and told them to
remember and tell whoever sent it that I would not accept handouts.
I
don’t like to receive.
I don’t want to take charity from
anyone, but I am stuck with nothing to do but accept what I have no control
over. Receive the kindness of strangers, the offering of time and homes and
meals. Receiving gifts family and friends send, monetary and otherwise.
It’s been a struggle for years. I
like to give, hate to receive. I hate to use the word hate because it has such
strong, vibrant implications, but all of me cries against the gifts that show
up on my doorstep with no return address.
I’m
bad at accepting things. Always have been. I don’t even know why. I love to
make others happy, like to surprise them with a small something- a cup of
coffee, a beautiful journal waiting for their thoughts and ideas, a note of
encouragement to tell them how beautiful they are. I love showering them with
love in a way I pray portrays God’s love and how special they truly are in His
sight. I don’t like others to think of me. I am simply God’s servant, doing my
tasks for Him as is my duty. I do not expect, nor look for, anything in return.
Which is why at the first sign of generosity my guard goes up and I back myself
in a corner, ready to spring.
I’ve
railed against this act throughout my life, and it’s noted most closely by my
family. As my mom likes to joke with a sad truth to her tone, “It’s a wonder
you’ve been able to accept God’s grace in Christ.”
That’s
a true statement, and it makes me think. Has there been a time where I have
readily or eagerly accepted a gift? Have I opened cupped hands, cherishing the
object or kind word lovingly placed in my palms?
How can I be so resistant while
others take so freely, almost to the point of greed? They think nothing of the
action and I sit and mull it over and brace myself for the resistance that
coils so electric inside me.
Call
it undiscovered pride, call it stubbornness or a blinding false belief. Or just
plain believing a lie. I can make it on
my own. I don’t need help. I can’t let anyone give me something because it will
make me look like a freeloader.
A
few days after sending the letter home my family received my returned check and
gave me a call. I tried to keep my voice down while discussing the offering.
Then I found out who it was from and wept. My heart softened at the thought and
care and generosity that this person carefully constructed to provide me.
Because this person loved me, because I was off on my own venturing into this
new life God has called me to, because of what I mean to them, they wanted to
show me the same kindness I’ve shown to them through the years.
My
family tore up the check and I am keeping this sweet offering. And after my
tantrum, when the emotion flees from my body and I sit mentally crumpled in
surrender in my room, a thought comes to me, quiet but poignant.
In
refusing the gift, I refuse the giver. In turning away a great offering that
takes time, thought and effort on the part of the person offering, I do them a
disgrace and say they are not worthy of my acceptance, that if I turn away
whatever it is they stand before me holding, I am not allowing them into my
heart, I am not allowing them to show me this same love of God that I strive to
share.
God
loves a cheerful giver. But He also smiles upon a cheerful receiver. One who
knows where the gift comes from and willingly acknowledges His presence in the
present. One who looks upon the giver and sees the heart inside the act, the
quiver of excitement in sharing the moment and seeing the delight shine in
grateful eyes. To give is to receive, but to receive offers up a selfless, holy
gift, as well.
I’d
like to say I’m changed forever. That it’s a quick fix and I’ll never again
fight against something slipped into my hands. I know this new realization will
take time to sink in my head, tie around my heart. This will be an ongoing
process, one I will continually have to check my behavior and actions and seek
Christ’s demeanor in this sacrifice. For it is a heavenly offering, a sacrifice
sweeter than the works I grind out each day.
Still
this stubbornness. Look the gift head on and see beyond to who offers and
humbly accept what God gives. Be glorified in the gratitude, fellowship with
the donor, whoever they may be, and receive with an open heart.
Prayer:
Lord
I thank You for opening my eyes to see my stubbornness. I thank You that You
want to work with me to see receiving as an act of worship, a gift to You to
bring joy and gladness to not only myself, but the person who gives to me, as
well. Please help me to keep this perspective as I struggle with accepting, and
may I continually be thankful for the gift You gave in Your Son Jesus. Amen.