Issue 2 | 2023

STEPPING FORWARD
GOD’S
PERFECT
GIFTS
BY KENNY MUNDS
PICKING OUT JUST THE RIGHT GIFT
for a child can be challenging. Sometimes
it’s rewarding, and sometimes not so
much.
I recently visited a friend who was
babysitting her granddaughter for the day.
On my way, I thought it would be nice to
stop to get something special for the fouryear-old.
When shopping for a child, I try to think
like a child, but this felt a bit more complicated.
I wasn’t sure I knew what a little girl
might want. Finally, I decided that any toy
that stimulates a young mind and helps it
grow would be appropriate.
I strolled through Walmart’s toy section,
almost dizzy from the endless variety and
choices. The toys were arranged in sections
by age group: puzzles, Play-Doh,
dolls, action figures, dart guns...on and on
they went. I walked up and down the aisles
until I’d finally picked out a few things I
thought she might like. Satisfied with my
selections, I hurried off to visit my friend
and deliver the gifts.
Things went well initially, and the young
missy seemed to like what I got her. Watching
her piece together the wooden puzzles
and draw the animals on the art pad was a
real treat. She enjoyed blowing some bubbles
and turning Play-Doh into a flower for
me. But soon, she turned to me and asked,
“What else did you bring me?”
Some might think that was a presumptuous
or even rude question, but I saw her
as Jesus must see us.
Interestingly, Jesus tells us to posture
our hearts like a child to receive His gifts.
In Mark 10:13–16, we see some children
who approached Jesus, looking for His attention.
The disciples, however, tried to
shoo the children away. Hmm. I wonder
if they thought maybe the children were
being presumptuous or rude.
But how did Jesus react? He welcomed
them with open arms—the same way He
receives us. Jesus rebuked the disciples,
saying, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will
not receive the kingdom of God like a little
child will never enter it” (Mark 10:15 NIV).
He wants us to come to Him with open
arms and open hearts.
God offers us the most incredible gifts
anyone could hope for, and according to
James 1:17, they are good and perfect.
Jesus gives us forgiveness for our sins,
redemption, unconditional love, the gift
of the Holy Spirit, and so much more.
But to receive His gifts, we must have a
child’s attitude. We must be trusting, meek,
curious, and have a never-ending appetite
for more.
“Come to me,” Jesus says. “I have much
to show and give you!”
Children don’t feel powerful, perfectly
righteous, or self-sufficient like most
adults do. They realize their need for protection
and provision. They aren’t afraid
to ask questions and eagerly accept what
is being given.
And that’s how we should be. We must
shed the cloaks of self-sufficiency that
arise from our life experiences. God wants
us to realize our need for His gifts. He invites
us to come to Him so He can touch
and bless us.
May God give us the never-ceasing energy
and curiosity of a child in our relationship
with Jesus. May we search constantly
for new and exciting things to satisfy our
hunger to know Him more. When we come
to Him with that childlike attitude, He’ll
continue to offer gifts that will stimulate
our spiritual growth.
So go ahead—embrace the beautiful
blessings your heavenly Father has in
store for you. Don’t be afraid to ask Him,
“Lord, what else do You have for me?”
KENNY MUNDS takes the good news of
God’s love and forgiveness into prisons across
America. To learn more about his ministry, go to
kennymundsministry.org.
VICTORIOUSLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
Issue 02 / 2023
9