Stewards of Grace

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).

I once heard some wise person say, “Whenever God blesses you with material wealth it is not for the purpose of increasing your standard of living but for the purpose of increasing your standard of giving.”

John Wesley, the father of Methodism, said, “Make all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can.” And, he did. By the time that he died, John Wesley had given away everything he had. It was pretty significant. He had made much. Saved much. And gave all.

The verse of the day doesn’t apply only to material wealth. It certainly includes that, but it is much bigger than that. It is talking about everything that we receive from God – our talents, motivations, passions, intelligence, health, relationships, family, etc.

The purpose of God’s gifts is never for personal consumption. It is always for the service of others.

The reason for such service for others is because we are stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. Steward is one who manages resources, gifts, talents on behalf of another. The thing about stewards is that they are given full freedom to use the resources entrusted to them. While there is complete freedom for how the resources are to be used, there is a clear understanding of what and how they are to be used. The resources are to be used for the purpose for which the giver of resources sets.

God tells us to use whatever gift we have received to serve others.

What gifts has God given you? What resources has God entrusted you with? Jot them down. Write them out.

Then consider, how can you use these resources to serve others today? Think and pray. Write down at least three things you will do today to use the gifts you have received to serve others today.

Can you imagine what our communities will look like as God unleashes his stewards of grace all throughout our city!?!?!? Wow. Gives me chills just thinking about it. 

Blessings to you as you serve God’s people.