1 Peter 4:10 NIV
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
The verse above is addressed to those who have identified with the death and resurrection of Jesus. This is critical, because you cannot demand allegiance from someone who has not accepted or submitted to your authority. Some will come and take advantage of the security that is offered, or even enjoy some benefits by virtue of the relationship they have with those who have surrendered, but this is not sustainable. You need to have your own personal connection with Jesus, so you can have direct access to all that He offers. It is to those who have totally and absolutely surrendered that the verse above is addressed. It is also important to note that there are talents given to everyone of us, irrespective of our station in life or residency status. God is too awesome to create anyone without a specific endowment or enablement. If God can give every single person on the face of the earth specific fingerprints, as well as connected DNA, it means that I am indeed special, and I need to find out what it is I have been created, born, endowed and planted to be and to do. I owe my generation that.
In addition, as the bible makes clear, these talents are to be used for profit. You could also refer to gifts which the Holy Spirit gives, and again, all are to be used for profit. The only profit that counts, from God's perspective, is that which serves others. If all that matters to me is the personal gain or recognition I can get out of using my gifts, then I have got it all wrong. God has placed me in a community, because He knows it is the best place for the dispensation of His grace to everyone. If I know and acknowledge the One who has given me the gifts, I will not struggle for applause or recognition. If these come, I know their limits, and give God the glory for all that has come. I also do so because I know that there is an account to be rendered for the use and application of the gifts. I am but a steward, not the actual owner of the gifts. God has also been gracious enough to ensure that I supply what someone else may lack, and others will also supply what I lack. That is how God's grace is made manifest, and the glory is given back to Him. I serve with this consciousness, so that God can be glorified in me, and I can get the reward for faithful service. What is your own decision? God's time of favour is here.
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