1 Peter 4:11
Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
It is a common temptation to take the gifts the Lord has given you and to use them for selfish gain. Countless pastors, parents, and teenagers are guilty of committing this sin. The Lord has blessed you with “special gifts” (1 Peter 4:10) so that you may serve Him with power and effectiveness. How well are you using those gifts to serve Him? Have you ever stopped to consider what your spiritual gifts may be… or why the Lord has chosen to give them to you?
While only the Holy Spirit can help you discover your spiritual gifts, I can assure you that I know what God’s intention was when He blessed you with them: You have been given these gifts to glorify the Lord. When you read his words this morning, Peter is reminding you, “Regardless of what your spiritual gifts are, you must use them for the glory of God.” He first gives us the example of teaching. This gift is easy to abuse for selfish gain. Have you been blessed with the gift of teaching? Remember that people are looking to you for the “utterances of God.” It is of great importance that you spend time in prayer and preparation before speaking to another believer as an authority on the Word of God! Second, Peter points out that every Christian is a minister and should be serving others for the glory of God. When you do so, look to God for your source of strength. (I wonder how God will use you to serve another today.)
We have all been given various gifts from our Heavenly Father. Some of us are well aware of what these gifts are, others are just now discovering them. Everyone is capable of using those gifts for selfish gain rather than using them for their intended purpose. We do it on a daily basis. I encourage you to act purposely today, giving back to God the glory that He deserves. It is why you were created.