Stewardship
"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." - Romans 12:6-8
In our exploration of the secrets of sacrifice, we come to the third flesh hook: Stewardship. If you missed the first two hooks, let me catch you up. We've discussed Lordship, emphasizing the importance of surrendering our lives fully to God, and Membership, highlighting our interconnectedness as members of Christ's body. Now to stewardship.
Paul reminds us in Romans 12:6-8 that every believer has been endowed with unique gifts by the grace of God. These gifts vary in nature and function but are all intended for the edification of the body of Christ and the advancement of God's kingdom. As stewards of God's gifts, we are entrusted with the responsibility of utilizing them faithfully for His glory.
Think of a dinner party mishap presented by a preacher. When dessert slips off the tray, each person's unique gift comes into play. The one with the gift of prophecy offers insight into the situation, while the person gifted in mercy extends grace and comfort. Those with the gift of service and teaching step in to assist and provide understanding, respectively. The exhorter offers wisdom for prevention, the giver offers a solution, and the administrator ensures order is maintained. This illustration beautifully demonstrates how God's diverse gifts work together for the common good.
Just as each member of the dinner party had a role to play in addressing the mishap, so too does each member of the body of Christ have a role to play in fulfilling God's purposes. Our gifts are not given for our own glory or personal gain but are meant to be employed in service to others and the expansion of God's kingdom.
Stewardship involves recognizing and maximizing the potential of the gifts entrusted to us. It requires faithfulness, diligence, and a willingness to invest ourselves wholeheartedly in God's work. Whether our gift is prophecy, service, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, or mercy, we are called to employ it with excellence and enthusiasm.
In our exploration of the secrets of sacrifice, we come to the third flesh hook: Stewardship. If you missed the first two hooks, let me catch you up. We've discussed Lordship, emphasizing the importance of surrendering our lives fully to God, and Membership, highlighting our interconnectedness as members of Christ's body. Now to stewardship.
Paul reminds us in Romans 12:6-8 that every believer has been endowed with unique gifts by the grace of God. These gifts vary in nature and function but are all intended for the edification of the body of Christ and the advancement of God's kingdom. As stewards of God's gifts, we are entrusted with the responsibility of utilizing them faithfully for His glory.
Think of a dinner party mishap presented by a preacher. When dessert slips off the tray, each person's unique gift comes into play. The one with the gift of prophecy offers insight into the situation, while the person gifted in mercy extends grace and comfort. Those with the gift of service and teaching step in to assist and provide understanding, respectively. The exhorter offers wisdom for prevention, the giver offers a solution, and the administrator ensures order is maintained. This illustration beautifully demonstrates how God's diverse gifts work together for the common good.
Just as each member of the dinner party had a role to play in addressing the mishap, so too does each member of the body of Christ have a role to play in fulfilling God's purposes. Our gifts are not given for our own glory or personal gain but are meant to be employed in service to others and the expansion of God's kingdom.
Stewardship involves recognizing and maximizing the potential of the gifts entrusted to us. It requires faithfulness, diligence, and a willingness to invest ourselves wholeheartedly in God's work. Whether our gift is prophecy, service, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, or mercy, we are called to employ it with excellence and enthusiasm.
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