Gift and Giver

“Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” James 1:17

Good thing – Two points of view in the same verse.  “Good thing” is not the same as “perfect gift”.  If we knew the Greek words, we would see it immediately.

“Good thing” is dosis.  Here the emphasis is on the act and intention of the giver.  But “perfect gift” is dorema.  Here the emphasis is on the result of the act.  What James is really saying is that God’s gracious intention is followed by the actual production of everything He wishes for us.  God is not only willing, He actually follows through.

This is incredibly good news.  How many times have we let the circumstances of life convince us that God could fix things but apparently He doesn’t want to fix things?  James settles the matter with these two words.  What a shame that we don’t get to enjoy the insight in the English translation.  God is entirely willing and completely able.  What He intends to do, He does.  You and I are never outside His gracious care, both in thought and deed.  God intends goodness toward us and He delivers.

Does that mean life is always the way I want it to be?  Of course not.  Anyone older than two knows the life doesn’t follow my script.  But James gives us a perspective that should shatter all despair.  God cares and He acts.  When I realize that God cares about me and He delivers on my behalf, then I am called to ruthless trust in His demonstration of love for me.  I may not be able to explain, justify or control all the elements, but I know that He is in charge.  That is enough!  He engineers my life for His purposes; purposes that are ultimately in my best interest, purposes that ultimately confirm His love for me.  This is ruthless trust:  that I believe God is for me no matter what and that I act on that belief no matter what.

Are my intentions always in alignment with my results?  God’s are.  Where I am in flow with Him, His intentions flow through me.  The results are guaranteed.  This is why the model for my life must be Jesus, a man whose alignment with the Father was so complete that every intention resulted in heavenly delivery.

Good things and perfect gifts go hand in hand.  Want to see this happen in your life?  Are you lined up with the Father of lights?