The Lighthouse Devotional
Author: Anonymous Contributor
SCRIPTURE PASSAGE
“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 Pet 4:10 NIV).
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Gift giving, as outlined in this passage, may seem strange upon close inspection. Social graces usually dictate that when you receive a gift, you keep it. However, in our Scripture text, Peter encourages us to share the gifts we receive. In doing so, we encourage, exhort, build up, strengthen, and comfort one another and extend the grace God has extended to us.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
This Scripture passage calls to mind the Parable of the Talents (Matt 25:14–29; cf. Luke 19:12–27), in which a man calls his servants and entrusts his possessions to them before embarking on a journey. To one, he gives five talents, to another two, and to another, one talent, each according to his ability. Similarly, God gives us gifts according to our ability. No one has an excuse in this matter because we have all received gifts to use in God’s kingdom to serve others.
Sometimes, we behave like the servant in the parable who received one talent. We become afraid, bury it, and risk our heavenly Master calling us “wicked” and “lazy” (Matt 25:26). Additionally, when we fail to utilize the gift received, what we have will be taken from us (25:28).
On the other hand, those who use their gifts wisely will receive more and hear instead, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness” (25:23).
EXHORTATION
Each of us must be a kingdom builder and a faithful steward of God’s grace. We receive our gifts as a result of God’s grace, and we must use them by His grace. Let us, therefore, use our gifts faithfully.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, You have given the greatest gift humanity has ever known: Your only begotten Son. He allows us to put our gifts to work through the Holy Spirit. Help us not to be afraid, wicked, or lazy with what You have entrusted to us, but to use it to serve others, as we ultimately serve You. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.