As a verb, Webster defines steward as a person who: ” administers, guides, manages, oversees, supervises, tends,” etc. The obvious implication is that this person doesn’t actually own whatever is being tended but is trusted and empowered to manage. This thinking should also apply to our spiritual giftings. In fact, scripture tells us that our gifts are for the benefit of all (1Corinthians 12:7) and not our ‘own’.
If the gift, though ours, did not come to us as part of who we are but is added into who and what we are, then it is an entirely different mindset. When you read 1 Corinthians 12 you begin to understand more fully that the Giver is God so that we can actually be His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). And what we are doing, regardless of our gifting, is to help all (Ephesians 4:12-16). In reading scripture, consider when the gift manifests and for what purpose…
This, to me, sharing seems like an obvious conclusion. If not, for what reason are we given gifts and for whose benefit – only ourselves? It is as stewards that we are gifted for others. Do you remember the story of Simon the Sorcerer who tried to buy the gift of laying on of hands from Peter (Acts 8:9-23)? His motives and his method were sinful – the desire to use the power of God for his own gain. When we do ‘use’ the gift for our own gain, what happens…
A different dilemma occurs when we don’t use our gift but covet the other gifts. The obvious question is: why would we want to have a gift other than what’s given us and why would we want to have another’s gift? Again, 1Corinthians 12:14-27 answers this question. It is together that we combine to be a whole… which is why all are needed, all are important. Remembering that we are gifted as stewards puts our mindset on God rather than ourselves – this places the giftings in the proper perspective.
…but, what do you think?
