"They exchanged their glorious God for an image of a bull, which eats grass. They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt." Psalm 106: 20 & 21
"Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles...They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped it and served created things rather than the Creator - who is forever praised. Amen." Romans 1: 22, 23, 25
Years ago, I received a beautiful winter coat for Christmas from my daughter's friend, Pablo. Smiling and quite surprised by such generosity, my face fell as I noted it was not my size. Not having full command of women's sizes in the English language, he'd selected "grande" because I was tall. So, I had to exchange the coat.
The practice of exchanging a gift usually means the recipient selects something better, as in my case, a better fit. Why would anyone exchange a gift for something worse or of less value?
As foolhardy as that idea sounds, it is done all the time with the gift of God, which is eternal life in Christ. Perhaps they like the feel of a full wallet or the size of their lust for the flesh. A grand ego fits some while human praise and power cloak their days. Some never open the gift of grace; they say they don't need it. Their good works are enough for them, a garment worn in pride. They are trading in abundant life, everlasting love and life eternal in heaven for temporal gain not caring to realize that "what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18)
With the gift in His hand and a smile on His face, He extends it to you saying, "If you don't like it, you can exchange it." The choice is yours.
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might have life through him." 1 John 4:9 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus." Romans 6:23
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