From when we're little, we're celebrated for the things we do. Rachel and I try to celebrate and encourage the kids when they do good things. This often involves ice cream, as all good celebrations do, although I prefer my celebrations with pie. But I digress...
We easily carry this attitude over to faith. We think we're doing such great things, and we look to be celebrated for the things we've achieved. Paul, here, is reminding us that everything we truly have is something we've received. God gives us everything, including a foundation to build our lives upon, and we would be wise to remember that. We can recall this not to make us feel guilty, but rather to help us feel grateful -- because the more we realize that everything good comes from God, it helps us see how God wants to give us good things, which helps us see the character of God, which helps us celebrate God, which transforms all of life and leads us to trust in God eternally.
So we have received everything. Thanks be to God we can trust the One who gives and gives and gives out of joy. (Remember, you are a source of joy to God!)
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