Christmastime is a test of whether a person by nature is a giver or a taker.

When someone gets more joy from seeing others receive instead of themselves, it’s a good sign that they have a spirit of giving. We are reminded in John 3:16 that God exemplified this spirit: “For God so loved the world that he (gave) his one and only Son.” And in Galatians 1:3-4, Jesus willingly sacrificed himself: “Jesus Christ, who (gave) himself for our sins ...”

When one thinks about becoming a follower of Jesus Christ, this also becomes a test. Some are attracted when they think that by making this decision, there will be only material benefits — things that satisfy the lust for possessions. They may even be attracted because they think it will always make them feel good. Others understand that becoming a follower means spending one’s life trying to become a better giver — finding more ways to serve God and others.

So the big question is this: Are you a giver or a taker? If you are a taker, you will never find fulfillment in life, while a giver continually discovers it.

The good news is that even if you have the wrong spirit, the Lord can change you.