Earning Power

In a capitalist society we understanding earning power. As Christmas becomes more commercialized and as we continue to watch the current state of the economy, earnings seem to be more scrutinized. We teach our kids to stay in school, go to college or trade school, and learn as much as possible so that they can increase their wages. Christmas brings an interesting dichotomy because we attempt to balance wages with giving. On the receiving end of this season we are faced with wages earned and gifts received. Most would agree that we haven't really earned the gifts received. In fact, they make us kind of uncomfortable. Wages, on the other hand, we are much more comfortable with because we can justify the efforts that "earned" them. In Romans 6:23 we clearly see what we've earned and the gift we've been given. It's difficult to accept but, in our relationship with God we have earned death! Thankfully he loves us so much that he made the sacrifice necessary to "gift" us eternal life through Jesus.

Lord, thank you for your gift and for the reminder that through your mercy I will not receive the wages for my choices. Thank you for your love that saves me! Amen.