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Pastor Beal

WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT

"For we must all appear before the
judgement seat of Christ..." II Cor. 5:10

As I open the paper every day and read about lives around us either burning out, or being put out earlier than anticipated, I wonder, "Were they ready to meet their maker?" You might say, "I am, because I'm saved!! Well, there's no doubt, that one must be saved to be ready. But that isn't necessarily all that is required to prepare us to meet God. In II Cor. 5:10 we read that, "For we must All appear before the judgement seat of Christ; ...whether it be good or bad." In fact, the Apostle Paul was so believing and fearful of this day that he goes on to say, "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men..." (v. 11) Paul never counted lightly his salvation which was purchased at such a great price and sacrifice. He understood enough what was involved in the work of God to save such a sinner, to be humble and thankful. He knew that only by the riches of God could a poor, bankrupt, and wretched soul, even think about eternal life in heaven. Paul realized that he had the opportunity to give back to God a life of thankfulness, shown in the care and obedience of God's will and word. He gave back to God the best that he could. He purposed to be a diligent steward of the gifts that God had given him. I was thinking, wouldn't it be embarrassing and awful to stand before our Lord and Savior one day, and present to Him a "white elephant gift", for what He has done for us? What a hurt it would be for Him to see that we gave Him the things that we never wanted, needed, or had any use for anymore? The Bible says in I Cor. 3:13, "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it..." What will God find when He opens your gift that day?

Thanks! Pastor Earl Beal