The Priceless Gift of God

Fine jewelry is just a physical reminder of something very precious I want to pass on. Here are three ways to share God’s gift of beautiful character.

Every few months a major national jewelry chain sends out a promotion. The offer is for two items—a ring, necklace or earrings—for a very reasonable price. My husband has an account with the store, so we are included in the promotions. The pieces are not costume jewelry; they include items of sterling silver and 14-karat gold that have diamonds and other gems. I have added some of the items to my jewelry collection that will be passed down to my daughters and granddaughter. I want them to consider these items, along with my other jewelry pieces, to be very special gifts.

But there is another gift that I want to pass down to my children, grandchildren, family, coworkers and friends. It is God’s way of life that leads to beautiful character.

Sharing the gift

God’s calling, which includes His way of life and the hope of the Kingdom of God, is the most precious gift that I have been given from my Heavenly Father. What He has passed down through Jesus Christ, the apostles, prophets and people of God is truly priceless. While only God can call someone, we nevertheless have a responsibility to be a light and an example of His way of life to those around us (Matthew 5:13-16).

How can we share this gift with others? The following short Bible quotes help me to remember three important ways that I can impact others and share God’s way of life with them.

• Proverbs 23:7: “As he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Our thoughts affect our actions and what others see in us—our reputation and character. If we appreciate and value the gift of a new life that God has given us, others will notice. If we are constantly thinking about positive and edifying things, we are showing appreciation for His gift. We can be inspired by the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of a good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—mediate on these things.”

• Matthew 12:37: “By your words you will be justified … [or] condemned.”

People around us complain, gossip and use bad language. These are examples of wrong thoughts we hear expressed every day. We have a way to combat them, however. Jesus Christ said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Words of encouragement, praise, appreciation and good counsel should be with us every day if our mind reflects God’s way of life.

We can keep from being a contributor to the negativity of our environment by asking for God’s help to have the right words. When we think on the positive, our words will be a reflection to others that we appreciate God’s gift of a renewed mind.

• James 1:22: “Be doers of the word.”

Psalm 19:14 states, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight.” This verse indicates that our thoughts, words and actions are connected. What we do is a direct reflection of how we value God’s gift. Living God’s way of life takes effort, and it goes against so much in this world. God’s culture must be reflected in our lives. We can think about God and talk about God; but if we are not living according to God’s standard, then we are hypocrites like the Pharisees.

My hope is for my family, friends and coworkers to look at my thoughts, words and actions and see a genuine reflection of the priceless gift God has given me—a chance to be one of His jewels (Malachi 3:16-17).

Chant’a Collier and her husband, Rodney, are members of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association, in Atlanta, Georgia.