1 Peter 4:10-11: Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, it should be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, it should be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. [HCSB]
This quote from Peter follows a command to love each other deeply and to offer hospitality without grumbling. He tells us to use whatever gift we have to serve and minister God’s grace in various ways. Have you thought about the gifts God has given you?
All those “gift tests” tell me that I am primarily an encourager, and secondly a teacher. Those are the things that motivate me to serve and minister God’s grace in every setting. And of course, the enemy of my soul knowing this often seeks ways to pervert those gifts. Instead of encouraging, I can find myself enabling. Instead of teaching, I can find myself drifting into manipulation (a primary trait in the family I grew up in).
So, I try to stay on my guard knowing that it is often our strongest traits and motivations that can be corrupted the easiest. I try to stay open to the Spirit’s discernment so I can recognize when I’m getting too close to the line, when I’m beginning to move not in the motivation of God, but in the manipulation of my own worldly desires. It isn’t easy, but oh is it necessary.
Our goal in life is always that “God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything.” We should keep that as a plumb line and measure all we say and do against it.
Father, how often, how easily I slip. When I think I am strong is when I am in the most danger of trying to do things in my own worldly ways. Keep me in line with Your Spirit. Keep my motivations pure so that in all things praise may flow to You. Amen.
