Jesus Smiles, Too

Two weeks ago, most Alaskans smiled - even if their face smiled for the first time since October of 2017.  On October 4th of this year, Alaskans smiled as $1600 (multiplied by the number of members of their household) entered their bank accounts.  Anticipating those smiles, retailers have been encouraging the recipients to spend, spend, spend. 

How do Alaskans use their PFDs (Permanent Fund Dividends, not Personal Flotation Devices)?

They . . .

• buy airline tickets to Hawaii
• buy the "toy" they've always wanted (usually involving a motor and/or tires)
• put the funds toward a debt
• save for a kid's college expenses

The options are many. 

Now, unless living in sub-freezing temperatures and icy conditions count toward "earnings," I do not earn the PFD.  No one does.  I receive my PFD.  Alaskans do.

In the New Testament letter Romans, the Apostle Paul wrote . . .

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 (NIV)

One can think of the gift of eternal life as the ultimate PFD.  I do not earn eternal life.  No one does.  I receive salvation.  Followers of Jesus do.

Jesus came into the world to bring His people life, eternal and abundant.  By "His people," I mean those individuals who have joined the family of God by declaring Jesus as Lord and believing (trusting) in Him.

How do Christians (followers of Jesus) use their salvation?

They . . .

• live with gratitude
• spread joy to those who need it
• put their gifts (spiritual and natural) to work
• tell others about the love of Jesus

Each Sunday that a girl or boy or woman or man receives baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (thus indicating that they love Jesus and have received His salvation), the people of Rabbit Creek Church smile.  I believe that Jesus smiles, too.  Most gift-givers do.

#ordinarylives