“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides so that in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 4:10-11
When you think about your finances this year, do you have a good feeling or bad feeling? Well, that is the same question we have asked ourselves repeatedly. I think we’re that bad with our new year’s resolution.
This morning after reading our devotion, my wife and I discussed our finances; well, guess what, our voice went from normal to a high pitch, as I call it rather than “shouting” but knowing how far we have come through the grace of God, we ended up just smiling for the many blessings we received. We may have some specific ideas about what makes a good manager. But what makes someone a “good steward,” according to the Bible?
Biblical stewardship means being a caretaker of God’s kingdom. As Peter said, in 1 Peter 4:10-11, we are called to be “good managers of the grace of God.” The way we live should honor God’s image. Being a steward of God’s grace means using God-given gifts to perform acts of kindness towards others.
In other words, a good steward is a servant who is mindful of what God has given him, knowing that Jesus will return anytime. The person who behaves like he is a servant, the person who will be held accountable for his care of others.
Heavenly Father, help me be more mindful and faithful in managing your gifts and provide me the wisdom to make the right choices. Amen
