READING:
One-year plan: Ezekiel 29-32, 1 Peter 4-5
Two-year plan: 1 Chronicles 9-10, John 17:20-18:11
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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 most beautiful when believers are all using their varied gifts and fulfilling their different roles within a local congregation.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you using your spiritual gifts for God’s glory?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, help me to steward well the gifts You have given me.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Ezekiel 33-35, 2 Peter 1
Two-year plan: 1 Chronicles 11, John 18:12-24
* John MacArthur, MacArthur Study Bible (Wheaton: Crossway), 1 Peter 4:10 study notes.
Devotion first published in 2020