READING: Lamentations 1-5, Psalm 137, 1 Peter 4
All of us who are Christ-followers have been given at least spiritual gift, which one writer defines as, “a graciously given, supernaturally designed ability granted to every believer by which the Holy Spirit ministers to the body of Christ.”* Our responsibility is to use that gift in accordance with God’s plan. As Peter shows us in today’s reading, “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God” (1 Pet 4:10).
God has granted us this gift not because we’ve earned it, but because He has empowered us to fulfill our responsibility within the church. Our giftedness thus provides us no reason for bragging; we only receive the gift from a gracious God. Indeed, we who have speaking gifts are to speak only God’s words, and we with serving gifts are to serve only in His power.
The church is indeed most beautiful when believers are all using their varied gifts and fulfilling their different roles within a local congregation. To God alone be the glory for His remarkable plan!
PRAYER: “Lord, thank You for giving me at least one spiritual gift. Forgive me if I ever use it for my glory.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Obadiah, Jeremiah 40-42, Psalm 147, 1 Peter 5
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*John MacArthur, MacArthur Study Bible (Wheaton: Crossway), 1 Peter 4:10 study notes.
