10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10-11, New International Version)
Theme: Rejoicing and Thanksgiving
Context:
Thanks to all who shared the stewardship principle they find encouraging. We will conclude our consideration of the discipline of stewardship today.
We have all experienced being placed in positions of responsibility by someone else. It may have been our parents, friends, teachers or work colleagues. If it is a really impactful responsibility we rejoice and give thanks for being trusted to use our skills and resources to fulfill the responsibility. Such is the case for Christians, because God expects us to be good stewards of the resources he has given us.
Bible Passage:
Our passage today declares that through God’s grace, believers all have gifts and are expected to be faithful stewards of these gifts. Note the rejoicing that occurs at the end of the passage.
Please study the passage and consider the question below.
Question:
In what ways do you express your gratitude for being trusted to be a steward of the gifts God has given you?
Please leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.
March 24, 2023 at 6:06 am
If I give my time in helping someone or volunteering, I thank God that for allowing me to have a somewhat flexible schedule sometimes. If I help someone in any way that resulted in me giving or spending money, I thank God for blessing me with a source of income.
I think if Christians remind themselves that if it wasn’t God’s will for them to have, and be able to perform their jobs, they wouldn’t have as much money, so tithing should come easily. If God hadn’t blessed us with able bodies, there are many things we do on a daily basis that we don’t even give a second thought about, that we would not be able to do. We should show God appreciation for our mobility, and volunteer our time when we can.
We need to not complain, express our gratitude by being be thankful for everything, happily give our time and resources if and when we can, and never forget to constantly thank God for blessing us with those resources in the first place.
March 24, 2023 at 6:20 am
The passage today was very helpful. Because I do some preaching/teaching I usually ask God for His help so that I’m able to say what He wants me to say through His Holy Spirit (the very words of God). And when I’m finished I usually say a silent word of thanks to Him for His help in sharing it. It’s such an important task that I cannot take for granted.
March 24, 2023 at 6:46 am
My gratitude to God for the gift of a body that can take on physical tasks is to try and maintain the strength, flexibility and agility by exercising. I engage in numerous mind games, puzzles as well as foods or vitamins that keep my mind alert. My financial gifts are mostly taken care of by my husband who’s smart with things like that and I consistently give thanks for his very astute abilities. So in short the best way for me to show gratitude is to take care of what I’m entrusted with.
March 24, 2023 at 8:16 am
I thank God for all the gifts bestowed on me. By recognizing what he has given me, I become aware of what gifts I have that I could share to others. My whole being is a gift that I should take care of, so that I am
able to utilize it to help others. I can be assisting the kids at Sunday school, cook for church meals or be a greeter at church, ,sing in the choir, help at women’s ministry or at VBS, and/ or simply do all that I need to do for the position/work God has placed me, as well as in many other activities at church or in the community. My being present physically, emotionally, and spiritually in places where I make use of my gifts is of paramount importance, so I should make sure I am in healthy condition. God gave us body so we take care of it as it is our responsibility to do that for us to successfully carry out the tasks God wants us to do. Maintaining a support and fellowship group from church is one way to make sure you can share your gifts to others. Sometimes, you’re not aware but the body of Christ could help you realize what special gifts you have that can help spread God’s word and bring glory to Him. It takes a group to build a community or church. The more talents or gifts available, the better it is for church or community.
March 24, 2023 at 10:14 pm
I don’t do it enough, but I like talking to God about how blessed I feel to be a servant in His kingdom.