As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: (ESV)
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (NIV)
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. (NLT)
Dive Deeper:
In life, we often find ourselves seeking the perfect calling, the precise avenue where our gifts align flawlessly. However, as followers of Christ, we are reminded that our Creator has uniquely designed us with purpose and intention. Our gifts are not meant to be confined to a specific mold or calling but rather to be used in a variety of ways to bring glory to God and blessing to others. Our main goal in life should not be to find the perfect calling or job to align with our gifts, but instead, every day, to look for ways to use our gifts in every single circumstance to serve and benefit others!
Live where your feet are
We can get so caught up in the idea of a “perfect calling” on our lives that we forsake the one God has us in at this exact moment. Whether you’re comparing yourself to someone else or comparing your circumstances to another, you’re breeding discontentment. Although pursuing areas of work or calling that we desire is not wrong, pursuing it as the end all be all is.
Don’t let your future dreams or goals keep you from stewarding what God is calling you today.
A really simple reminder is to “look at your feet.” When you have feelings of anxiousness, insignificance, discontentment, or lack, look down at the place your feet are in, surrendering yourself to God at that moment. Realize the ground you are standing on is what you have been given. Then look up, knowing that God created you for such a time as this, and whatever time this is, you can faithfully live it out through the giftings God has given you. How many times do we miss out on partnering with God because we are so caught up in the “future plans” he has for us?
Your gifts are for good works.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
Just as a potter molds clay into vessels of different shapes and sizes, God has crafted each of us with our own distinct gifts. It's easy to become fixated on searching for the one grand purpose that aligns perfectly with our gifts. Yet, God's plan for us seems not to be one perfect assignment but to live every day with a surrendered heart, serving one another in every circumstance through our varied gifts.
Peter reminds us through this week's verse that our gifts are not merely a means to make ends meet, but rather, God has given each of us gifts to ultimately serve one another. These gifts have been prepared in advance by God Himself. This means that God has intricately woven our gifts into His master plan, a plan that encompasses various seasons of life and diverse circumstances.
Rather than waiting for the stars to align perfectly, we are encouraged to view our current circumstances and assignments as opportunities to sacrificially love others through our gifts. Just as Joseph used his administrative skills while in Potiphar's house and later in Pharaoh's court, and as David employed his humble leadership both as a shepherd and a king, we too can make an impact right where we are.
God has a plan for you today, but it isn’t meant merely for you. It’s meant to be to the glory of God and the benefit of others. Don’t wait until tomorrow to start living the way He intended you to. Serve those around you wherever your feet find themselves.
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 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 belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10 ESV
Written by Blake Stanley