“And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace” John 1:16.
“Lagniappe” is a French word pronounced (lan-yap) that is well known in pockets of French culture such as Louisiana. South Arkansas, Quebec, Canada, etc. It means “A little something extra” as a favor from a merchant to a customer or something thrown in for good measure. In the little community of my childhood, it was always a practice, and in some areas, it is a custom presently.
This recalls corporate practice in childhood as well. We did not purchase much at stores beyond absolute necessities, but when it came to breakfast food, washing detergents, and cow feed, four things determined choice. In breakfast cereals it was always Crystal Wedding oats and Nabisco shredded wheat, because there was a nice crystal-like drinking glass in every box.
These lined our shelves. In every box of washing detergent there was a nice, free dish cloth.
These filled cabinet drawers. In cereal, I begged my parents to buy Nabisco Shredded Wheat. I hated the stuff, but there were illustrated “Straight Arrow” cards separating the wheat loaves that taught me how to build an Indian shelter out in the woods. Finally, in cow feed, every gingham type sack of 100 pounds of feed must be clean and not torn because we would be wearing it as a shirt from momma’s hands very soon. What wonderful “Extras!”
“Lagniappe!” What a good and helpful practice it was to poor families recovering from the Great Depression. It brings to mind the great goodness of our Savior. He loves us so much that He died to save us. Moreover, all who call upon Him in repentance find that gift of salvation in full power as it was at the beginning.
However, if that were not enough, it goes on and on from that initial gift. His spirit guides us and illuminates us to the marvelous truth of His Word. The resultant peace beyond understanding, promises that are staggering, and comprehension of the harmony, unity, and symmetry of His ingested Word renews the mind, and implants an insatiable desire to know more, and to receive their fulfillment.
FOR THOUGHT: Have you ever been given a little something extra in a trade? Have you given something extra to others? What are some of the extras, in addition to salvation, that God gives to
people
who
trust
Him?
List
some!