1 Peter 4:10, NKJV
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
Beloved,
There are two ways (legally) that a man acquires things in life: by the work of his hands or through the blessing of gifts. Have you ever noticed that as much as we say we love to receive gifts, we place higher emphasis and care on that which we have worked for ourselves. “Do you see this car? I bought it, cash.” The person that said this is so proud of what he had accomplished, and rightfully so! I asked my members a question the other day: “which is more valuable: $10 gifted to you or $2000 that you worked diligently for?”. Maybe you think the larger amount is worth more, but what did it cost you?
The beauty of a gift is that it costs you nothing. However, your failure to see the value of that gift and profit from it can cost you everything! When we stand before the heavens, it is not the work that you have done with your hands you will give account for. You will have to account for everything that has been given to you. Take a moment to think about it. What gifts has God given you? Make a list. What are you doing with those gifts? Think about the parable of the talents in the book of Matthew:
14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. – Matthew 25:14-19
Notice that none of the talents were earned or worked for. He gave them freely. However, when the master returned, each servant was required to give an account.
1 Peter 4:10 sheds light on God’s expectations concerning the gifts we receive as believers. We are to be good stewards of them. Beloved, do not dismiss or take for granted the gifts you have been given. Make the most of them and be ready to give an account for every one.
I commit you to God and to the word of His grace.
I call you NATIONS. I call you blessed.
