Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
James 1:16-18 (ESV)
The third chapter of Genesis recounts the story of humanity’s fall in the Garden. The serpent tempted Eve, essentially telling her that God was holding out on her. Eve, in turn, looked at the forbidden tree, fell for the serpent’s lie, and ate from the tree. And what at first appeared to be good turned into disaster.
This story is the story of each person who has lived. Rather than a serpent, however, it is our own desires that tempt us (Jam. 1:14-15). And rather than a forbidden tree, it is all that this world has to offer us: happiness, success, prosperity, and more.
However, James tells us not to be deceived, as Eve was. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the gifts this world can give are good. Every good and perfect gift is from the Father above rather than the world. What the world offers us is only a cheap imitation of the Father’s gifts.
What gifts does he give us? We have been “brought forth by the word of truth.” To be brought forth refers to producing or being born (John 3:1-7). Our salvation is a gift of the Father (Eph. 2:8). The indwelling Holy Spirit is a gift (Acts 2:38). The skills and abilities he gives us for service within the kingdom are gifts (1 Cor. 12). And the eternal life we have in him is a gift (Rom. 6:23).
What can this world give us that can begin to compare with the gifts of the Father? Praise God for his indescribable gift (1 Cor. 9:15).
