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Key Bible Verse: If they are saved by God's kindness, then it is not by their good works… . God's wonderful kindness … is—free and undeserved (Romans 11:6). Bonus Reading:Romans 4:1-8; 8:3

I don't like picturing myself as dependent, needy, empty-handed. Working with students at a university, I've decided this is a major reason why many children come to despise their parents. It's humbling to see one's life, talents, capabilities, weaknesses and strengths as gifts from one's parents. We'd rather be self-made men, standing on our own feet, striding bravely into a new world of our creation. It's humbling to look into a mirror at 21 and admit, "Yikes, I look just like my old man."

I suspect that the difficulty of receiving is a factor in marriage, too. It's painful to be thrust into such close proximity to another human being, year after year, until one gradually comes to see that his identity and character are due to an alarming degree, to what he's received from his wife. Marriage is an everyday experience of living indebted to someone we've just begun to know.

If one asks the Gifts Records Office of my school who are our most antagonistic alumni, they'll tell you they're the ones who were here on full scholarship. We talk a great deal about "freedom of choice," and "self-determination," but not too much about indebtedness.

—William Willimon in Christian Century

My Response: Am I willing to see my life not as my possession, but as a gift?

Thought to Apply: Nothing is more repugnant to capable, reasonable people than grace.

—John Wesley

Adapted from Christian Century (12/21/88) by permission.

Copyright © 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me to get past all the Christmas wrapping to the essence of Your staggering gift.

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