Give God Your Best

by Rick Warren — December 24, 2024
From Will I Make Room for Jesus

“They came to the house where the child was and saw him with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. They opened their gifts and gave him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

Matthew 2:11 (NCV)

When the wise men went in search of the promised Savior, they intended to give him the best they had—their best tangible gifts along with their gratitude, honor, worship, and love. The wise men came to see Jesus for the right reasons.

Many people today come to God when they need something—but they’re not actually there to love or worship him. They think of God as their genie in a bottle, someone they can summon in prayer and expect to give them whatever they want. The problem with that thinking is this: God does not exist for you; you exist for him.

Here’s what happened when the wise men arrived in Bethlehem: “They came to the house where the child was and saw him with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. They opened their gifts and gave him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11 NCV).

Not only did they worship him, but they also gave Jesus “treasures”—the best they had. They didn’t give him their leftovers or something worthless. Their gifts were costly and meaningful. The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh had significant symbolism.

Gold was a gift for kings. In ancient times, if you were granted an audience with a king, you brought a tribute of gold. With this gift, the wise men acknowledged Jesus as King.

Frankincense was for worshipping God.  This incense was used by the Jewish leaders in the temple as part of their worship practices. With this gift, the wise men acknowledged Jesus as the one true God who was worthy of their worship.

Myrrh was used for the dead—a most unusual gift for a baby. This spice was used in ancient times to embalm dead bodies. With this gift, the wise men acknowledged Jesus as the Savior who came to die.

Jesus did not come to earth simply to live. He came to earth to die for your sins so you can be forgiven, live a new life, and go to heaven.

As you seek Jesus this Christmas, learn from the wise men who sought Jesus for the right reasons. Worship him as King of kings, Lord of lords and Savior of the world and give him the best you have. He is worthy of your worship.

Talk It Over

  • Has there ever been a time when you treated God like a genie and expected him to grant your wishes? Confess that to him now. Ask him to help you love him and not try to use him to get what you want.
  • What is one change you can make today to give Jesus your best instead of your leftovers?

God’s great generosity is reflected in his gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Your sins separate you from God. And it is only God’s grace, through Jesus, that can get you back into right relationship with him.

The Bible says, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).


If you’re ready to make peace with your Creator, then pray this prayer:

“Dear Jesus, I don’t want my sin to separate me from you any longer. You have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.

“I confess my sin, and I believe you are my Savior. You have promised that if I confess my sin and trust you, I will be saved. I trust you when you say salvation comes by grace, through faith, and not by anything I do. I receive you into my life as my Lord. Today, I’m turning over every part of my life to you.

“I want to live the way you created me to live and use the rest of my life to serve you instead of serving myself. I commit my life to you and ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at [email protected] and let me know about it. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.


Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.