Day Three: Insight

Jenn Schultz

There is a talent that comes with giving good gifts, and that talent was one of the many things I admired about my mother-in-law while she was with us. She would pay close attention to what we liked, or make note of something we might need, and have it bought and wrapped and ready for the big occasion. Spoiling her family was something she loved to do. 

For example, the year we had our first baby, she bought us all snow gear for the holidays–coats, snow pants, gloves, hats, a baby sled, everything. It was a green Christmas, but a month or so later we had a blizzard that left us completely snowed in. Her gift left us more than prepared, and we made happy memories in the snow. We still have, and use, that gear. She knew what we needed even before we did.

What was the best gift you’ve ever received? Chances are, it made you feel seen, understood and appreciated by the giver. A good sense for gift-giving shows insight by the person who does the giving – “a deep understanding of a person or thing” according to Oxford Languages. It shows connection and intuition, or an understanding that comes without explanation.

Paul shares about the gift of Godly insight that the early church received through the Spirit about the “mystery of Christ”: the fact that Jesus’s sacrifice and reconciliation extends to everyone. All of us, invited to be part of God’s family. 

It is, as Paul says, absolute grace from God that we can know this truth. It’s grace that we have a mission in life to spread the word, revealing this insight even to spiritual beings. (Isn’t it strange to think that we could know something even before angels?) 

This whole plan shows the deep connection we have with our Creator: that He would restore us to a relationship with Him, reclaim us as His people, and reveal the mystery of His will, working through us to spread the word. 

He wanted us to feel chosen, seen and loved by Him;
He wanted to empower us with his insight. 

Being connected to God and being aligned with His understanding changes everything. This knowledge allows us to “approach God with freedom and confidence,” as it says in verse 12. We can be “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God,” by knowing God’s incomprehensible love for us, along with all of His people (vs 17-19).

I don’t know how you’re feeling about your purpose or your ability to pursue it these days. We can look at the gift of the insight of God and still feel like He picked the wrong recipient. How could He possibly use us? What do we do with this gift? 

Paul knew. He took it to heart and started spreading the word, any way he could, both strengthening fellow disciples and revealing this knowledge to people who didn’t know it yet. He wanted everyone to share this gift of insight.

Make no mistake–you are an integral part of his plan. And you have what you need to be able to accomplish it, because God is an excellent gift giver.

Walk Worthy Challenge: Prepare a thoughtful gift for someone this week, and use it as an opportunity to encourage them in their faith.  

Prayer: God, you graciously and abundantly give us good gifts! Thank you for your insight and access to your heart and mind through your Holy Spirit. Keep our eyes and ears open to how we can include and invite others into your family. 

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