Managing Our Gifts / ODB

 

Managing Our Gifts Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others. 1 Peter 4:10 READ 1 Peter 4:7–11 In 2013, British actor David Suchet was filming the final TV episodes as Agatha Christie’s beloved Belgian detective Hercule Poirot—and also starring in a stage play—when he took on “the biggest role in [his] life.” Between those projects he recorded an audio version of the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation—752,702 words—over two hundred hours. Suchet, who became a believer in Jesus after reading the book of Romans in a Bible he found in a hotel room, called the project the fulfillment of “a 27-year-long ambition. I felt totally driven. I did so much research on every part of it that I couldn’t wait to get going.” Then he donated his wages. His recording remains an inspiring example of how to glorify God by stewarding a gift, then sharing it. Peter urged such stewardship in his letter to first-century believers. Persecuted for worshiping Jesus, not Caesar, they were challenged to focus instead on living for God by nurturing their spiritual gifts. “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God” (1 Peter 4:11). Like all gifts, we can develop them “so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” Suchet offered his talents to God. We can do the same. Whatever God has given to you, manage it well for His glory.    By Patricia Raybon How would you describe your God-given talents and spiritual gifts? What could you do to manage or steward them better for His glory? Heavenly Father, at times I’ve squandered my gifts and talents. Sharpen my commitment to manage the gifts You’ve given me so the world praises You. To learn more about your personality and gifting, visit Discover Yourself and Others.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT In 1 Peter 4:10, Peter highlights the importance of spiritual gifts: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” All believers in Jesus have been given spiritual gifts to use in service to God. The apostle Paul names a number of these gifts in three of his letters. Romans 12:6–8 includes prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, and leading. First Corinthians 12:8–10 includes a message of wisdom, a message of knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, distinguishing between spirits, different tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. Paul stresses that the Holy Spirit distributes these gifts “just as he determines” (v. 11). Paul’s final list, found in Ephesians 4:11–13, includes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These gifts are vital for the church to build each other up in the faith and knowledge of Christ. Alyson Kieda