Daily Devotions
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others. 1 Peter 4:10
The scene: first-century Asia Minor. Christians persecuted for their faith. A world to be won for Christ. Desperate need for light in the darkness. “Wanted: stewards of God’s gifts. Long hours. Hard work. Purpose: serving others and praising God through Jesus Christ. Reward: probably more suffering.” An unlikely want ad? God’s people responded with love and service, using their unique gifts within the fellowship to reach an alien world with the saving news of Jesus Christ.
The scene: twenty-first century America. Christians ignored for their faith. Growing secularism and pluralism. A world to be won for Christ. Desperate need for light in the darkness. “Wanted: stewards of God’s gifts. Not just an hour on Sunday. Not just a church job. Long hours. Hard work. Purpose: serving others and praising God through Jesus Christ. Reward: probably less credibility with the world.” How will you respond? Identifying and using your unique gifts of God’s grace to reach an alien world with the saving news of Christ? Or deciding to play the role of spectator on the sidelines, safe and removed from the battle?
Peter describes the key to faithful stewardship of God’s gifts: “Do it with the strength God provides” (1 Peter 4:11). Any gift points to the giver. God freely gave His Son for us all. He lived in a hostile world, used His gifts in love and service, died to pay for our sins, and rose triumphantly from the grave. “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). He provides us with His strength to live for others to His praise and glory. “Wanted: Stewards of God’s gifts!”
PRAYER: Lord, make me a good steward of Your grace in my daily life, so that others may trust in You as their Savior. Amen.
(Devotions from “My Daily Devotion” by Dr. Stephen J. Carter, copyright 1988 CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time emailing of this link to a friend. For ordering information, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit www.cph.org.)