Gifts Day 6: Serve Others Though Stewardship by Lindsey Leake

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 (NIV)


​As a self appointed family archivist, I have many a child’s drawing, or a penned gift to a parent. I assured the giver that the treasured gift would go in “your folder” for safe keeping. A favorite of mine is when one of our children was being taught the difference between fact and opinion. My gift reads, “You’re the best Dad ever! That’s an opinion.” The first sentence gives me much pride, while the second sentence keeps a lid on pridefulness. 

First Peter, 4:10 tasks us with using our gifts to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace. Personally, I try to live up to my child’s opinion, succeed or fail, but always trying. We are all part of God’s family, we are his hands and feet; here to serve. 

While it’s always nice to receive something, whether it is praise, or a gift, it is the spiritual gifts and how we use them that help us be in communion with God. Identify your gifts; use your gifts, your resources, and your effort to present your gift back to God. Don’t hide your talent as a parable mentions, but use it and let God’s blessing fill you! In this season of stewardship, center your thoughts on what is your best gift to God, only you know; only you can provide that, no one else. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help us to use your gifts wisely, to be free with our time with others, to be open to others, and open with our love. Help us to support our church, to receive its blessings, and to return our blessings in kind, with a grateful heart. Be with your church in this time of stewardship that we will hear your voice and rejoice. 

Thought for the Day: Today Lord help us to be the best spouse, parent, daughter, son, sibling, friend, or member of the family of God that we can be.
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written by Lindsey Leake

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