If someone asked you, “What was the greatest gift you have ever received,” how would you answer? If we were sitting at a dinner table we might mention an engagement ring, a spouse, or healthy children. Most of us could name many gifts, but none compares to our gifts eternal.

In many ways, our salvation was received as a “gift basket.” It was a one time gift with many things inside. Some items included in our gift of salvation are

the promise of eternal life.

the assurance of forgiveness.

the hope of heaven.

the promise of eternal reward.

the peace of knowing we belong to an eternal family.

the constant presence of Jesus Christ through his Holy Spirit.

the God-produced abilities to serve our Kingdom-purpose.

Most gift baskets arrive covered with a clear wrapping and tied with a bow. So it is with our gift of salvation. It is possible to own the gift, see what is ours, but never really tear into it and use what we have been given.

Some Christians work as if their promise of salvation still needs to be earned. Some never live as the forgiven, loved child of God. Some still wonder if heaven is real, and if they will go there. Some live knowing they are saved, but not living for their eternal rewards. Some of God’s children live lonely lives, not understanding what a large family they belong to. And some Christians still live according to their old nature, rather than submitted to the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit. 

Why is the Holy Spirit our most important gift? Because we could never pay the cost for his Presence in our lives. Because we could never work to earn all of his blessings in our lives. Because only God could give what we could never have acquired for ourselves. 

Jesus is the model for our own faith, and the pathway for our eternal relationship with God. Jesus used every gift God gave him to serve his Father’s purpose. Is there anything you have left unused from your basket? Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Use and enjoy all the gifts Jesus came to give.