STEWARDS

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good STEWARDS of the manifold grace of God – 1 Peter 4:10

A vital truth about Grace is that every Christian is meant to be a good STEWARD of God’s Grace. A steward is a person, who manages another’s resources or belongings; one who is entrusted with the property of someone else and dispenses the same according to the owner’s instruction. Paul referred to his “Stewardship of God’s Grace” (Ephe.3:2). So did Peter: “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Pet. 4:10). Our gifts are expressions of God’s grace in various forms, which we have received, and are meant to faithfully use. In other words, we should use whatever gift we have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s manifold grace. Regardless of what our gifts may be, whether upfront teaching, or behind the scenes helping, we demonstrate God’s grace. Using our gifts expresses His grace, and each such expression contributes to a more complete understanding of who He is.

Grace elevates Service! When we understand how using our spiritual gifts takes us beyond merely accomplishing some kind of task, to helping others better understand and know God, we should all the more want to serve. And, we should want to serve faithfully so we consistently and accurately represent Him: “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1Cor.4:2). Not only are we to be faithful stewards “of” God’s grace but also “because of” His grace. Spiritual gifts are given on the basis of grace not because of who we are or what we have done. As recipients of His grace, we have received an entrustment which validates our role as stewards and gives us all the greater motivation to be faithful. Stewards take care of that which isn’t their own, and so we have a sense of accountability as managers of His grace toward one another. We got something we don’t deserve, making it a privilege not merely a duty for us to serve.

As a believer, you have been entrusted with God's grace: His power placed within your heart to sustain and influence you. God has deposited all things that pertain to life and godliness within your heart (2Pet.1:3). His grace empowers you to fulfil all He has called you to do. The wise steward of grace faithfully uses God's gifts to meet needs; not just his or her own needs, but to become a vessel of God’s divine flow to others. Within every true believer's heart is the desire to be used by God in showing His goodness and glory. The real richness of the Christian life is in having God's great delivering power flow through you to bless others. Grace is God’s merciful kindness that exerts His holy influence upon us to transform us, keep us, strengthen us and increase us in the ability to do His will: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil4:13).

Grace increases motivation and passion for serving. Every day, hour and moment of life present us with fresh opportunities to show or manifest grace. We may not be perfect, but we must nonetheless manifest and endeavour to maximize grace, knowing that the grace we show to others is not our own! The only reason we can “give” grace to anyone is because God has already given it to us. We can pass along only that which we have received from Him. Good stewards cherish and seek for opportunities to pass along to others what they have received from the Lord. When you know God’s grace, you’ll want to show God’s grace. May all of us be “good stewards of the manifold grace of God” in Jesus name (1 Pet. 4:10).