1 Peter 4 - 5.27.26
Scripture
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 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)
Observation
All of us have been given spiritual gifts. God expects us to be good stewards of the gifts. Our gifts are not supposed to be buried, but to be used. We are required to use our gifts to the full, to the best of our ability to God’s glory. Here Peter says that if you have the gift of speaking, speak as if God is speaking through you. If you have the gift of helping others, do it with all the strength and energy God provides (NLT). There is a parallel passage in Romans where Paul says the same thing - “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Rom 12:6-8)
Another parallel lesson is from Jesus himself in the parable of the talents. A master called three of his servants and gave them five, two and one talents each, and went on a journey. When he got back the one who had got five talents, had invested it and made another five. The one who got two talents, made another two. The one who received one talent, went and buried it. The servants who used their talents to make more, were rewarded. The servant who buried his talent was punished (Matt 25:14-30).
Application
If we are not sure what our gift is, let us prayerfully ask God to reveal it to us. Let us identify our gifts and start using them. Whatever your gift is, there is a need for it in the kingdom of God. Use your gifts for God. Get plugged into a ministry at church, and start serving.
If we look around in Desert Streams, we can see that each one of us is equipped with a different gift. One of my dear friends is a passionate gospel sharer. Another one is a gifted encourager. Another one is blessed with the skill of hospitality. Another one is an anointed musician with the amazing ability to lead the church into the holy of holies in worship. Another one is a skilled organizer. Each one of us is created differently and given different gifts so that we use it all for the glory of God. He placed people with gifts in the church so that his people would be equipped and built up. He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers to the church, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up (Eph 4:12).
Many years ago in my youth, I met a wise person who gave me a piece of advice that changed the course of the rest of my life. A life that only consumes and never gives is like a lake that receives all the water flowing into it, yet has no outlet. Its water becomes stagnant and unfit to drink. But a river continually pours out while receiving fresh water, and its waters remain life-giving. Be a river. This person encouraged me to find anything I can do to serve God. Inspired by this conversation, the very next Sunday I went to the church I attended at the time and met the leaders of a number of ministries. All teams were full, and they didn’t need a new person. I finally met with the superintendent of Sunday School, and pleaded with her to allow me to teach Sunday School. There were more than enough teachers in Sunday School at that time, and no additional teachers were needed. However, she was gracious to the then twenty-two-year old me, and allowed me to teach the 2 and 3 year olds in the nursery. I started teaching Bible stories to 2 and 3 year olds. As I taught the little kids faithfully, God added to me more teaching skills and more insights into his Word.
Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for your love for me. Thank you for the gifts you have given me. Please help me to be a faithful steward of the grace that I have received, by using my gifts for your glory according to your will (1 Peter 4:10). When I finish the life that you have given me on earth, and come and stand before you, I want to hear you call me, “Good and faithful servant” (Matt 25:21). Enable me to live a life that merits that. Pour your spirit upon me. Make me a blessing. May your blessings flow through me to others you bring into my life. May my life be a drink offering unto you (Phil 2:17, 2 Tim 4:6). In Jesus’s name. Amen.
Asha Chacko George
