Crosswinds Family and friends,
Stewardship is a responsibility given to us by God, along with the authority and accountability to fulfill it. As beings created in His image (Imago Dei), we have been appointed as stewards of His creation, tasked with building civilization through procreation and vocation. In every area of life, we are called to manage our time, talent, treasure, and testimony in ways that honor God and enable us to flourish. Stewarding our talents is essential to not only fulfilling our role as stewards but also to fulfill the plan the Lord has for our lives.
1 Peter 4:10-11 reminds us that God has entrusted every believer with unique gifts: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” We are to do so “in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” The first step in stewarding our talents is recognizing that every believer has received at least one gift from God. Often, comparison or doubt blinds us to what God has given us. But just as a good coach recognizes an athlete’s potential, we must prayerfully discern and affirm the gifts within ourselves and others. Rick Warren once said, “What you are is God’s gift to you; what you do with yourself is your gift to God.” Take time to identify your gifts, seek counsel from others, and ask God to reveal how you can best use them.
Gifts are not for self-promotion or personal gain. They are tools for glorifying God and serving others. Jesus Himself modeled this, using His gifts to bring glory to the Father.
Neglecting our gifts dishonors the Giver. Like muscles that weaken when unused, our abilities atrophy without practice. Diligence in developing our gifts is essential. A musician who practices daily is ready to perform with excellence. Similarly, we must find opportunities to use our gifts in the church, community, workplace, and home. D.L. Moody famously declared, “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him.” When we wholeheartedly commit our gifts to God, the results can transform lives and glorify His name.
The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates the importance of faithfully stewarding what God has entrusted to us. The master gave each servant talents to invest according to their ability. Two servants multiplied their talents and received their master’s commendation. But the third servant, paralyzed by fear, buried his talent and faced judgment. This parable teaches us three key lessons. First, God gives gifts according to our abilities. Also, faithfulness, not comparison, is the measure of success. Lastly, fear and complacency lead to missed opportunities. Ask yourself, “Am I multiplying what God has given me, or am I burying it in fear or doubt?” Like a flashlight designed to shine in the dark, your gifts fulfill their purpose only when used for God’s glory.
As stewards of the talent God has given you, I encourage you to examine yourself and identify your God-given gifts. Then, step out in faith, overcome fear and excuses, and trust God’s strength, not your own. Then, multiply for God’s kingdom, focusing on faithfulness, not results.
Brad Swam, a man I knew in ministry, exemplifies this. Though he wasn’t a public speaker, he faithfully used his gift of mentorship to disciple others, who, in turn, became disciple-makers themselves. His legacy reminds us that God’s greatest commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” is reserved for those who faithfully steward what He has entrusted to them. As Francis Chan said, “Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.” Therefore, let us steward our gifts with wisdom, courage, and faithfulness so that, in all things, God is glorified. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!