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Each Sunday in America, nearly 400,000 congregations gather to worship. There are friendly smiles at the doors, passionate leaders singing and performing songs, and good shepherds pouring their hearts out as they tell the greatest story ever told, the story of God’s love to man. But here’s a probing question: Is that enough?
Is it enough to take the gift of God inside of you and put it out in the open for others to receive? That’s a great question. And it all boils down to stewardship of gifts. We all know that all of our gifts and talents come from God. That includes the hospitality that welcomes the guest at the door, the musical talents that flow from the platform and the gift of encouragement that pours from the pastor’s sermon. These gifts were given to the church and placed inside individual believers for the good of all. We are stewards of each individual gift.
So here’s the big question: when or where does my responsibility end. Have I been a good steward of my gifts when I have laid them out for others to receive, or does my responsibility go farther? I believe true God-pleasing stewardship goes much farther. I have to steward my gift all the way into your heart.
If I really believe that God’s gift in me is supernatural and beneficial for others, then it’s not enough for me to say, “Okay, here it is. Take it or leave it.” No. I think we have to be much more like the Apostle Paul who said, “To those not having the law I became like one not having the law … so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Cor 9:21-22).
In light of Paul’s leadership pattern, I must do more than just make sure my message, song, or attitude is theologically accurate. Sharing the love of Christ is not my goal, but having someone receive His love becomes my goal. This means I can’t just think about the bible. I must also think about you, the hearer, and ask, “How will this be received? How am I perceived? What do they think about me?” and so many other important questions.
Stewarding your gift all the way into the heart of the hearer certainly isn’t an easy assignment, but the cause couldn’t be higher. The story of Jesus demands my best and every needy soul is worth it.
So what about my conclusion? When is the stewardship of your gift complete? When you present the gift to others? When the gift is received? Or some other way? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
About the author
Jerry is the Pastor at Daystar Church in Cullman, AL. Visit daystarchurch.tv to find out more about their incredible story of relaunch and growth in the last 10 years. You can find Jerry on twitter @daystarjerry.
The movement of God is always forward. We have been made to soar and to embrace our future as God sees it. Forwardleadership is designed to engage leaders who have tomorrow in their hearts. Thank you for visiting.
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