Unlocking Your God-Given Gifts: Stewardship for a Purposeful Life

Stewarding the Gifts God has Assigned to You

Have you ever stopped to consider the gifts you have received from God? Each of us is uniquely equipped with grace-gifts, bestowed upon us by our Heavenly Father. These gifts are not meant to be kept to ourselves, but rather, to be used to serve one another.

In the book of 1 Peter, we are reminded to use our gifts to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace (1 Peter 4:10). We are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts we have been given, using them for the progress and joy of one another's faith (Philippians 1:25).

The Sin of Pride and Gift Stewardship

However, as humans, we are naturally inclined towards pride. We have a tendency to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to, and we crave the praise and admiration of others. This sinful pride often infects our view of ourselves and others when it comes to the grace-gifts we receive from God.

Instead of recognizing our gifts as undeserved blessings and viewing others' gifts as merciful means of grace to us, we often fall into the trap of discontentment. We may feel that we are not as talented or gifted as others, or we may envy the gifts that others possess.

But the truth is, our gifts are not about comparison or competition. Each gift is unique and valuable in its own way. Just as a puzzle is incomplete without each piece, the body of Christ is incomplete without the contribution of every member.

Embracing Humility and Gratitude

So how can we overcome the sin of pride and steward our gifts well? It begins with cultivating humility and gratitude in our hearts. Recognizing that our gifts are not earned or deserved, but rather, freely given by a loving God, helps us to view them with a thankful heart.

When we understand that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17), we can approach our gifts with a sense of awe and wonder. We can marvel at the diversity and creativity of our Heavenly Father, who has designed each of us with unique abilities and talents.

Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we can focus on using our gifts to serve and bless one another. This requires a shift in perspective from self-centeredness to other-centeredness. It means using our gifts not for our own glory, but for the glory of God and the good of His people.

Biblical Examples of Gift Stewardship

The Bible provides us with numerous examples of individuals who faithfully stewarded the gifts God had given them. One such example is Joseph. Despite facing numerous trials and setbacks, Joseph remained faithful to God and used the gift of interpreting dreams to serve others.

Another example is Bezalel, who was filled with the Spirit of God and given skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts. Bezalel used his gifts to contribute to the building of the tabernacle, a place of worship for the Israelites (Exodus 31:1-6).

These examples remind us that our gifts are not meant to be hidden or wasted, but rather, to be leveraged for the glory of God and the benefit of His people. Just as Joseph and Bezalel faithfully stewarded their gifts, so too are we called to do the same.

Discovering and Developing Your Gifts

Identifying and developing our gifts is an important part of stewarding them well. God has uniquely designed each of us with specific abilities and talents, and it is our responsibility to discover what those are.

One way to discover your gifts is through prayer and seeking God's guidance. Ask Him to reveal to you the areas in which He has gifted you and how He wants you to use those gifts. Additionally, seek the wisdom and input of trusted mentors and friends who can provide insight and affirmation.

Once you have identified your gifts, it is important to develop and cultivate them. This may involve honing your skills through practice, seeking further education or training, or finding opportunities to use your gifts in practical ways.

Using Your Gifts in the Year 2023 and Beyond

As we look to the future, it is important to consider how we can use our gifts in the year 2023 and beyond. The world is constantly changing, and new opportunities and challenges will arise. Our gifts can be a powerful tool for impacting the world for Christ.

One way to ensure our gifts remain relevant and impactful is to stay rooted in the Word of God. The Bible is timeless and unchanging, and it provides the foundation and guidance we need to use our gifts in a way that aligns with God's purposes.

Additionally, we must be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. He is the one who empowers and equips us to use our gifts effectively. By surrendering our gifts to Him and seeking His guidance, we can be confident that we are using them in the way that God intends.

Conclusion

Stewarding the gifts God has assigned to us is both a privilege and a responsibility. It requires humility, gratitude, and a willingness to serve others. By recognizing the uniqueness and value of our gifts, seeking God's guidance, and using our gifts for His glory, we can fulfill our role as faithful stewards.

So, as we embark on the year 2023 and beyond, let us commit to stewarding our gifts well. Let us embrace humility and gratitude, develop and cultivate our gifts, and use them in a way that impacts the world for Christ. In doing so, we can bring joy and progress to one another's faith, and ultimately, bring glory to our Heavenly Father.