Be Known as a Faithful Steward

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 NIV

Over the weekend, News Center Maine posted a story titled “Record-setting triumph: Runner breaks TD Beach to Beacon 10K course record” in which they reported that “Thousands of participants and spectators made their way to Cape Elizabeth on Saturday for the TD Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race, bringing runners from all over the world together.” They went on to say that “Over 8,000 people ran the race, professional and amateur runners alike.” But, get this. This race that benefits Best Buddies Maine, an organization that works to reduce barriers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through friendship and leadership opportunities, could never have taken place without the more than 800 volunteers that showed up, with some making their way back to Cape Elizabeth every year.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:1-8 NIV

And while all volunteers are to be commended and considered special for what they do, what makes Christian volunteers extra special is that they do what they do because they recognize they have a “gift” for serving others and put that gift into practice—knowing that “as faithful stewards of God’s grace,” they are called to use whatever gift they have received from God in service to God, as all believers are. And you can be sure that we all have “different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Some of us are called to prophesy, some of us are called to serve (providing practical help in various ways such as volunteering), some of us are called to teach, some of us are called to give, some of us are called to lead, and some of us are called to show mercy. And that’s just one of three lists of gifts!

So, determine what your gifts are and then use them to serve God by serving others my friend. You’ll not only be counted as a faithful steward of God’s grace by doing so, but will serve as an example to others of what it means to recognize that everything we have – our time, talents, and treasure – ultimately belongs to God and is entrusted to us to use for God. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that everything we have and everything we are comes from You to be used in service to You by our service to others. Help us Lord to determine what our unique gifts are that we might grow them and use them to the greatest extent for your glory. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!