What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? 1 Corinthians 4:7
This is a humbling question that greets us at every point as we take inventory of our assets. Our body, mind, and soul are gifts of God. Our faith is nourished by the Bible, given by inspiration of God, and by Holy Communion, the very body and blood of our Lord.
We live in cities and on farms that were made possible by the hardships of rugged pioneers. In our education we had access to the treasures of the ages, gathered by an untold number of scholars. Our personality reflects the influences that have come to us from parents, teachers, friends, and associates. In making our living we are dependent on a political and economic order that calls for the cooperation of many. Behind all these human activities is God, who rules and overrules for our welfare. Yes, what do we have that we did not receive?
This question also deepens in us the sense of responsibility. There is no such thing as absolute ownership. Therefore nobody can say: "This is mine to be used as I please." We are divinely appointed stewards. As such we are to invest ourselves, our talents, and our possessions to the glory of God, for the temporal and eternal welfare of others.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You are the giver of every gift. With humble and grateful hearts we thank You and ask that we might use Your gifts to be a blessing; in Jesus' name. Amen.
(Devotions from "The Abundant Life" copyright 1998, 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 e-mailing of this link to a friend. For information on other devotional material, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit CPH at www.cph.org.)
Today's Bible Readings: Exodus 21-22 Matthew 27:51-66
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