LAGNIAPPE. Don’t try to pronounce the word phonetically. The correct pronunciation is: (LAN-yap). It is defined as “a little something extra,” and is originally taken from the Spanish (la ñapa) “the gift.” Long ago it became a common word in the French/Creole culture in Louisiana. If you have been to New Orleans during their celebrations, you may have heard the term.
Consider what Jesus said in Luke 18 in response to Peter’s declaration that they had left all to follow Him. “So He said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life’” (Luke 18:29-30).
Now, I am not suggesting that eternal life is a lagniappe (a little something extra). The word “and” here in the text does not indicate an afterthought, but a blessing that comes later.
When we look at the context and what we know of God and man we easily see that eternal life is the main gift. Jesus asked, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36-37). There is nothing here on earth that holds anything near the value of a saved soul. To spend eternity in God’s presence is what our existence here is all about (cf. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
No, the “lagniappes” and they are multiple, happen to the child of God while on earth.
- The blessing of God’s providence is a lagniappe (Our text).
- A happy and strong marriage is a lagniappe (Proverbs 18:22).
- Godly children are lagniappes (Isaiah 54:13).
- The peace which surpasses understanding is a lagniappe (Philippians 6:6-7).
- God’s comfort during times of loss is a lagniappe (Psalm 34:18).
- Et cetera.
Simply put, everything good thing we have during our time on earth is granted by God. After all, He made all things! “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard” (Psalms 19:1-3). But more important is the big spiritual blessing that comes to us through His Son Jesus. ETERNAL LIFE in heaven in His presence!
