No criticism… but are you doing you? Are you still discovering who you are? Not to worry. You won’t be perfect nor discover all you are until you get to heaven. But, there are components of you that you really should know now. One example is that we all have gifts [1 Corinthians 12]. And the reason for the gifts can be seen in Ephesians 4:11-16. We all have a part… our part. If we don’t recognize our own gifting then we won’t be ‘operating’ in our calling and then we aren’t supplying our part for the body.
Another example. Stewardship. I am a steward. I am responsible for all that I am and that I have. But… ‘responsible for’ does not mean owner. Ownership can quickly become a heavy weight, responsibility turned on its head. Once we ‘own’ something, then we’re responsible for ‘it’ and at that point, ‘it’ can begin to own us. And I don’t see this as a positive. Stewardship does not lessen responsibility, but I believe it puts responsibility in the proper context. So, what are we responsible for/about? It isn’t just a single area.
What and how does God’s Word speak on stewardship? Being a good steward brings:
source and provision of our stewarding
“The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord.” [Psalm 24:1]“Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning.” [James 1:17]
knowledge of our attitude and behavior
“Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.”
[Colossians 3:23-24]“Remember this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.” [2 Corinthians 9:6-7]
promotion
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’ [Matthew 25:21]“For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.” [Matthew 25:29]
What each of us needs to remember is that all we have is for a reason. It’s not to be clenched tightly in our hand so nothing gets away. This may be true, but nothing can be added either.
“Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God.’ [1 Peter 4:10]
Each time we successfully steward what is the Lord’s… and for the right reasons, we place ourselves in a position to be trusted with more. Returning to the title – how are you doing you? Are you satisfied? (And if you are doing your best, that’s what is important.) Are you growing in understanding and behavior? Quick word of encouragement… never put yourself down – the Lord doesn’t. Yes, He wants us to be our best and He’s there to help us. If He’s not done with us yet… then neither should we.
When we are doing us… then regardless of the circumstances, we can learn and grow and continue building on who we are. And then confidence grows.
