Each and Every One

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

The true Christian life is meant to be a life of service…service to God and service to others. When we serve others in the Name of Jesus, 1 Peter 4:10 says that we are being, “faithful stewards of God’s grace.” At the core, that’s what followers of Christ are – grateful recipients of God’s grace who spend their lives faithfully sharing that grace with others. At least, that’s what we should be.

If you want to know if you are a faithful steward of God’s grace, you can start by asking yourself these three questions: Where am I serving? Whom am I serving? Why am I serving? 1 Peter 4:10 makes it clear that God expects His children to live lives of service to others. The word, “each,” in this verse also means, “every.” Each and every one of us is called to serve. While the form this service takes on in each of our lives may differ, none of us are exempt. Whether you are in full-time vocational ministry or work on Wall Street, serving God is not a “job.” It is a lifelong calling.

Serving is not only what you do, it is who you are. It is not just an action; it is an attitude. We should serve others out of an overflow of our personal relationship with Christ. Our serving hands should be a reflection of our servant hearts that have been redeemed and transformed by the Gospel of Truth. When Peter wrote these words to the Church, he had no idea what each person’s interests, gifts, or passions were. He exhorted his brothers and sisters to serve, trusting that the Holy Spirit would do the work of leading and equipping. Peter knew the truth that God will use anyone who is willing. A willing heart is worth more in God’s Kingdom than all the education and talent in the world.

So how do we become willing to offer our lives up to God to use as He will? The most important thing is to realize how Jesus served us by going to the cross and dying for our sins. When we truly grasp the depth of love that God has for us, we will begin to understand that serving isn’t something we have to do; it is something we get to do. Serving is a privilege because when we serve others in Jesus’ Name, we are also serving Him.

Jesus, Thank You for showing me what it means to serve others. If anyone deserves to be served, it is You; and yet You willingly laid down Your rights to serve me in the greatest way imaginable – by dying on the cross for my sins. Please deepen my desire to love and serve You by loving and serving others. I want my life to be a display of Your glory. In Your name I pray, Amen.