“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).
The Bible is replete with admonitions that believers should exercise faithful stewardship through the wise use of their time, talent, and treasure, practicing careful self-discipline to further the mission of Christ’s church on earth. Yet often there is an overemphasis on the principle of tithing, which is foundational to the New Testament’s teaching on stewardship, with not enough attention given to the use of spiritual gifts.
The verse above (1 Peter 4:10) highlights our responsibility to use our gifts in ministering as good stewards of God. The word gift (charisma) refers to the special ability given to believers by God. The gift is from God—it is not a natural talent, nor could the believer have attained it on his own. It is a spiritual gift, given by the Spirit of God for spiritual purposes, so that the believer may fulfill his God-given task on earth.
First, believers are to use their gifts by serving and ministering to one another. Every believer’s task is to use his gift to build up the church and to witness and minister to the world. Tragically, many believers know little about spiritual gifts, even though Scripture clearly teaches about them. They should be diligently studied (Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:8–11; Ephesians 4:11). Paul affirms: “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal” (1 Corinthians 12:4–7).
Second, believers are to serve as good stewards of the grace and gifts of God. In biblical times, the steward was a slave entrusted with full responsibility over his master’s estate. Likewise, the believer is entrusted with God’s grace and gifts. No one else can use a believer’s gift—if it is to be used, he must use it. The responsibility is awesome: if a believer neglects his gift, it remains dormant, his mission unfulfilled, and he stands before God as one who failed to use what was given. But this must not be the case for God’s people. We are to use our gifts faithfully, like devoted stewards carrying out our Master’s work.
Third, believers are to serve by speaking the Word of God. This includes gifts such as teaching, preaching, exhortation, prophecy, and other ministries of proclaiming God’s Word. We are to speak as the oracles of God—meaning we speak God’s Word and allow Him to speak through us. After His resurrection, Jesus commanded His disciples: “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). Likewise, Paul charged Timothy: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2).
Finally, believers are to serve by ministering. This includes gifts such as hospitality, mercy, giving, visiting, and other ministries of practical service. The believer who ministers must do so in the strength that God provides, acknowledging that his ability comes from God alone. The question then is: How can we be good stewards of the gifts God has given us? By being wholly devoted to our ministry and task, allowing nothing to deter or sidetrack us. We must be so committed to God’s call that not even suffering or persecution can prevent us from completing our mission. As Galatians 6:10 urges: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
If God has gifted us to minister to the needs of others, let us do so humbly and for His glory. This is the believer’s sole aim—not to preach, teach, or minister for recognition or honor, but to glorify God through Jesus Christ. God alone is sovereign. All praise, honor, and dominion belong to Him forever.