Responding with Gratitude - Pt. 5

 

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:7-11 ESV).

 

I must confess that there are times when I find myself being a bit more “direct” than is comfortable for others. Mary has said that as I have aged, I haven’t become more direct, but I have become grumpier. Perhaps she is right, though I think we must be balanced between being a service to others and enabling them not to serve themselves. Neither of those positions is the intended plan of God. He has gifted all of us to be a part of the welfare and health of the community of faith. I remember one time specifically. In one of the churches that I pastored a lady came to me in between the two morning services complaining loudly in the hallway that the ladies restroom had run out of toilet tissue. I suppose the look on my face gave away my surprise that she thought this was a task that I needed to perform at that moment. I did have the presence of mind not to respond with my “grumpy side”. I merely said, “Follow me.” I then walked here to the supply closet and pointed to the stacks of tissue and said, “Thanks for the information, perhaps you should fix it.” You know… she did!

 

Our reading includes some important reminders for the church. No member is more important than the others, and each one has gifts from God that can bless others. In the church, there are often people who think they have not received any special gifts from God. They think they have little or nothing to contribute. But that is a mistake. Another mistake is for people to think they don't need others or the gifts they can share. But God has given us many gifts and abilities, and we depend on each other in many ways.

 

You are an essential part of the church. Don’t fail to exercise your gifts in whatever capacity presents itself! Gratitude for God’s grace means all of serve others in different ways at different times.