◄ What Does 1 Peter 4:10 Mean? ►

The Bible gives some serious warnings about living in the last days. As the time for Christ's return for His Church draws ever closer, we are warned to be clear-minded and self-controlled. We are exhorted to be sober in deed and watchful in prayer. We are to have fervent love for one another, knowing that love covers a multitude of sins; and we are to extend gracious hospitality to all those with whom we come in contact, and to do it without complaining.

One further admonition is to be diligent in the correct and wise use of our spiritual gifts. We are called to faithfully administer our own particular gifts of the Spirit, for each gift is a holy stewardship which Christians receive from the Lord for the building up of the saints and to the glory of God.

Christians are given spiritual gifts to fulfil a special function within the Body of Christ. Each member receives at least one spiritual gift, and Peter calls us to be good stewards of all we receive from the Lord. Our gifts differ according to the grace God gives to each of us, and we are instructed to exercise them in accordance with the proportion of faith we have received.

But we are called to test the spirits to see if they are of God and the spiritual gifts we receive from the Lord must be used correctly and administered according to Biblical principles, for we can dishonour the Lord and discredit our testimony if they are administered selfishly, incorrectly, or inappropriately.

The inflow of our spiritual giftings from God should result in a beneficial outflow of His grace to others. Gifts are not for our own selfish gratification, but for the edification of the Body of Christ. The grace that pours into our lives should become a channel of God's blessing which, in turn, is willingly poured out in service to others, for His greater glory and praise.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit and for the spiritual gifts that I have been given by Your goodness and grace. I pray that I may be diligent to use the gifts and graces that have been given to me for the benefit of the Body of Christ and for Your greater praise and glory. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.