Proverbs 18:16
A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.

In Matthew 2:10-11 we watch the Magi bring gifts to Jesus, reveling in the fulfillment of the scriptures that foretold that the Messiah would be born. They offered their greatest treasures of gold, incense and myrrh expecting nothing in return but the chance to worship at his coming and express their great joy. The greatest gift ever given was Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross gives us freedom from bondage and for all times allows us eternal life if we will believe.
Today our whole ideology about giving is backward, we have giving and receiving mixed up. I watch people use God as a good luck charm. Praying for gifts, healing, and favor without ever knowing the true gift of Jesus or taking the time to develop a relationship with him. We must realize that the greatest thing we offer up to God is ourselves: our service, devotion, and dedication to his son, Jesus Christ. We must take the time to consecrate and clean ourselves up so we can be used in God’s great plan. Expecting gifts from God is a worldly mindset and is not how the kingdom operates, being a servant for God is how we are ushered into his presence and when we put him first, he will always take care of our needs. Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.