Gifts and Service

1 Pet. 4:10-11

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace; whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves; as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him be belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen

 

Peter seems to be giving a list of things that believers should do in light of the fact that the end of all things is at hand. To begin with believers should be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of their prayers. First,what does it mean that the end of all things is at hand? Christ's descent to earth, His life, death, and resurrection have happened as well as the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost. These major events are all in place and signal believers to wait for His return. They should be serious in prayer for the needs of the body and for opportunities to share the gospel. They should be recognizable as Christians wherever they are so that they might glorify God.

 

Then Peter says, above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sin. Apparently, waiting for the next great event [Christ's return] is wearing thin. Believers are growing weary of waiting and weary of each other. So Peter gives them guidelines to live by while they wait. Loving one another must be first and foremost in their lives! If love guides all that they do, then no one or no event will be an irritation. Next he says, show hospitality to one another without grumbling. Get involved in each other's lives. Go the extra mile without grumbling. Don't do it out of duress but be hospitable out of love.

 

As each one has a gift, each one must use that gift for service. It is in these activities that believers become good stewards of God's grace. Grace is the means of gift giving and gift sharing. The gifts were given to edify the body. Am I edifying the body in what I do and say? When speaking, make each word reflect His words. No more gossip! The believers life must be drastically changed. Why? So that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. In order to do this all that believers do and say must be in the strength that God supplies, through His grace! No more self-motivated acts! When self is in control, love vanishes as do all the grace-controlled areas of their lives. Waiting for His return is not a time of mindless waiting, but it is a time of serving and living through His grace and strength.

 

Father,

Teach me how to use each moment for You. Make love the guide for my actions, attitudes, and behaviors as I wait for Your return.

In His name,

Amen