Unleashing the Power of Spiritual Gifts: Stewarding God's Varied Grace

Using Our Spiritual Gifts to Steward God's Varied Grace

As followers of Christ, we have each been given spiritual gifts by God. These gifts are not meant to be kept to ourselves, but to be used to serve one another. In doing so, we become stewards of God's varied grace. Just as a steward manages a household store, we are called to manage and distribute the grace that God has given us.

But what exactly is this grace that we are called to steward? It is not yesterday's grace, but today's grace, arriving in every moment of need. This future grace is diverse and comes in many colors, shapes, and sizes. It is tailor-made for the specific needs of each individual and situation. This is why spiritual gifts in the body of Christ are so diverse. Each person's gifts refract shades of divine glory that would never come through someone else's prism.

In 1 Peter 4:10, Peter encourages us to use our gifts to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. This means that we are to receive and dispense the future grace of God to those who are in need. Just as a steward manages the resources of the household, we are to manage and distribute the resources of God's grace.

But how do we do this? How do we steward God's varied grace in our lives? The answer lies in relying on the strength that God supplies. In 1 Peter 4:11, Peter says, "Whoever serves, [let him serve] by the strength that God supplies — in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." The word here is "supplies," indicating an ongoing and continuous supply of strength and grace from God.

When we fulfill our spiritual gifts to serve others, we do so by the strength that God supplies. And this supply is not a one-time thing, but an ongoing and inexhaustible supply. Just as God provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness on a daily basis, He continues to provide the strength and grace we need on a day-by-day, moment-by-moment basis. As Deuteronomy 33:25 says, "As your days, so shall your strength be."

God's supply of strength and grace is always sufficient for our needs. When we step out in faith to use our spiritual gifts, we can trust that God will provide the strength and resources we need to fulfill our calling. We don't have to rely on our own strength or abilities. Instead, we can rely on the power and grace of God, knowing that He will empower us to do what we cannot do on our own.

So how do we practically steward God's varied grace in our lives? Here are a few steps we can take:

1. Identify your spiritual gifts: Take time to discover and understand the unique gifts and abilities that God has given you. This can be done through prayer, reflection, and seeking counsel from others.

2. Seek opportunities to serve: Look for ways to use your gifts to serve others. This can be within your local church, community, or even in your everyday interactions with people. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and be willing to step out in faith.

3. Trust in God's strength: As you serve, trust in the strength that God supplies. Recognize that you are not relying on your own abilities, but on the power and grace of God. Pray for His guidance and empowerment as you step out to serve others.

4. Be faithful and obedient: Continually seek to be faithful and obedient in using your gifts. Don't be discouraged by challenges or setbacks. Instead, trust in God's faithfulness and continue to steward His grace in your life.

5. Give God the glory: Ultimately, the purpose of stewarding God's varied grace is to bring glory to Him. As 1 Peter 4:11 says, "in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." When we use our gifts to serve others, we are not seeking our own recognition or praise, but to point others to the greatness and goodness of God.

In conclusion, as followers of Christ, we are called to steward God's varied grace through the use of our spiritual gifts. These gifts are not meant to be kept to ourselves, but to be used to serve one another. When we step out in faith and obedience, relying on the strength that God supplies, we can steward His grace in a way that brings glory to His name. May we each embrace our calling as stewards of God's varied grace and use our gifts to serve one another and bring glory to Him.