TALENTED HANDS (4)

“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

Faithful Stewardship and Impactful Service are Hallmarks of TALENTED HANDS: “As each one has received a GIFT, MINISTER IT to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1Pet.4: 10-11). Although this passage refers primarily to spiritual gifts, the same principles would apply to natural talents and other God-given abilities. Believers are encouraged to be “faithful stewards” of God-given gifts: “Moreover it required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1Cor.4:2). A steward is one entrusted to manage the property of another. Stewardship is service.

A talent is an attribute or potential that we’re instinctually born with that gives us unique skills and abilities. Talent is distinct from education or knowledge in that it is not a learned behaviour, although it can be reinforced through practice. Every human being has distinct talents and gifts that set them apart from others. Discovering the talents that God has given us and using them to glorify Him will provide access to the experience of a full life! Our loving Lord wants us to experience wholeness, and it’s through talents that we can find our unique calling in life! 

In the context of 1 Peter 4, the apostle described how Christians should live in response to the knowledge that the end of all things is near (v.7). Knowing that Christ could return at any time should affect the Believer’s thinking. We should not excessively invest ourselves in a world that is passing away or be diverted with carnal pleasures calling to be indulged in. Instead, we should manage our minds through effective praying and mutual love. We have nothing which God has not given to us (Jam.1:17). We should take a very different view from others in the world about whatever we might call “ours." We must see whatever we have as a GIFT from God and an opportunity to serve others.

Every human being is blessed with God-given talents: “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them…” (Rom.12:6a). Beyond discovering our talents, they must be used for God’s Glory! To fail to use God's gifts to us to serve each other is to fail to be a good steward. We should always look for opportunities to serve God and use our talents in daily life. Of course, doing this might not look the same every day. Some days we may know exactly how God is working through our talents; other days, we may not see how our gift is affecting others or making impact. Even so, we must never hesitate from deploying our talents in serving God and humanity: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mt.5:16).

Faithful stewards use their gifts and talents to serve God by serving others. Peter was simply echoing the instructions of Jesus and be known for Service: “…he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves” (Lk.22: 26b-27). In particular, every follower of Christ is a steward of spiritual gifts, natural talents, and material goods or treasures, to fulfil God’s purpose and establish His Kingdom. Wisely using everything we have to serve each other is part of fulfilling our purpose as God's set-apart people.

It's vital to note that Talented Hands operate absolutely by Grace: “…as good stewards of the MANIFOLD GRACE of GOD” (v.10b). God’s Grace is revealed through our faithfulness! Otherwise, Grace would be frustrated, set aside, wasted, and in vain (2Cor.6:1; Gal.2:21).