1 Peter 4 - Use What God Gave You

1 Peter 4:10-11 (HCSB), "Based on the gift they have received, everyone should use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, [his speech should be] like the oracles of God; if anyone serves, [his service should be] from the strength God provides, so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen."

We are reminded throughout the writings of the New Testament that the Body of Christ is equipped with gifts. There are many of them and they are intended for the edification and glory of God through their use. In this passage Peter is also reminding us to using the gifts that God has given us is being a good manager "of the varied grace of God."

What are your gifts? Have you ever taken a test or read a book to determine how God has uniquely gifted you? Romans 12:6-8 (HCSB), "According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the standard of faith; if service, in service; if teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness." Whatever your gift is, do it with gusto to the best of your ability.

God gave each of us a unique gift or gifts so that we could be all that he had planned for us to be. It is part of the "abundant life" that John talks about in John 10:10. God wants us to be fulfilled in all that we do and he provided the skills for us to do that. It is our responsibility to find out what those skills are and to hone them to be our best for Him.

Take Refuge and use what God gave you. God gave each of us the gift or gifts that is best for us. He knows us well.