In 1 Peter, chapter 4, sandwiched between an opening section about “Living for God,” and the ending section regarding, “Suffering for Being a Christian,” Peter gave us a few things to consider. Prayer. Love. Hospitality. And the last, using God’s gifts. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” [1 Peter 4:10-11]
Peter then sums up the “various forms” of God’s grace given two ways. “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
The two ways we display the grace of God are speaking and serving. When speaking we speak the words of God. We don’t revise what God says or omit or add to God’s truths. We simply speak the very words of God with wisdom and grace. Some will like them; others will reject them. Our job, however, is to remain true to God’s truths.
We are also to serve, not in our own weaknesses but with the strength that God supplies. Servanthood is the vocation of everyone who call Christ Jesus Lord and Savior. We are to serve from a willing heart, wherever God plants us. We are to minister to Him in worship and praise, we are to minister to others in love, kindness, compassion, and generosity.
If we use the gifts God has given us to serve, God will be praised. He receives the glory – not us. “To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
