Matthew 7:11-12 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Why did Jesus transition from good gifts to the golden rule? Since God’s good and perfect gifts are given for our good needs and not our earthly desires, then what are those gifts?

Romans 8:29-32 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Conformance is the motivation behind these gifts. Predestined, called, justified and glorified is the order of progression from there to here, from that former life to this life in Christ. If glorification is the last step in the process and the goal of the gifts, we should have a proper understanding of what that means.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary on glory Strong’s number 1391 “glory” (from dokeo, “to seem”), primarily signifies an opinion, estimate, and hence, the honor resulting from a good opinion. It is used (1) (a) of the nature and acts of God in self-manifestation, i.e., what He essentially is and does, as exhibited in whatever way he reveals Himself in these respects, and particularly in the person of Christ, in whom essentially His “glory” has ever shone forth and ever will do, John 17:5, 24.

Our new reality is a relationship with God that we never had before we accepted Christ into our heart. Like all budding relationships, we need to get to know each other better. We need to get to know God better and we need to discover our new identity in Christ.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Dwelling on the past will not allow you to discover who God is and who you are in Christ. This relationship is new for you but God has been thru this with every child of adoption. He knows you better than you know yourself. He knows exactly what you need and when best to give that gift.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

As a child, did you look in the department store window and see that one toy you wanted for Christmas? Then on Christmas morning you unwrapped that appropriate size box only to discover clothes? Your parents knew what you wanted and they knew what you needed. You are not a child anymore so what gift do you desire from God? Here, open it up, and discover it is a robe of righteousness. Don’t be disappointed, you needed that robe more than the worldly item you imagined.