Good Stewardship

1 Peter 4:10&11

10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as GOOD STEWARDS of the manifold grace of God.

11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

We want to live according to God's plan. We need to avoid people that will be a bad influence on us. We learned from the letter the Apostle Paul wrote to the Roman believers. Packed full of teaching and instruction for living the Christian life. Paul teaches:

Giving with "SIMPLICITY" is a single motive, desiring only God’s glory, and to help the object that you give to. Have no secret thought of recognition.

"DILIGENCE" can mean haste, it also denotes industry, attention, and care. It means that we need to be attentive to the duties of our calling. The things we are blessed we need to show enthusiasm and passion! And, we need to demonstrate total commitment through our actions. 

Mercy with "CHEERFULNESS" demands a generous and genuine view of people. Your charity is doubled when it is done in a cheerful and kindly way. Cheerfulness is NOT our temperament of the day, but is something we need to cultivate as a duty our neighbors, friends and family.

Today we turn to the First Letter from Peter written to a group of Christians scattered throughout northern Asia Minor, where he previously preached the Gospel. We learn here to be "GOOD STEWARDS;" 

"As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as GOOD STEWARDS of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that GOD in all things may be GLORIFIED through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

God gives us gifts and talents but they are NOT ours to own! We are just STEWARDS who take care of what we are given for a time. As good and faithful servants we will see to it that the Church is the beneficiary our gifts. In this way God is honored and glorified. If we are able to do things right for others through the Church we can demonstrate the power of Christ's religion! 

The good parts of these daily devotionals are inspired by the sermon at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg Texas. You can watch it by following this link... https://youtu.be/OdH_M2zSINg