Different Gifts, the Same Lord
When we hear the word stewardship, we often think first about money. Certainly our financial giving is part of Christian stewardship, but Scripture gives us a much bigger picture. Stewardship begins with a simpler question: What has God given me?
In Romans 12, Paul writes, “So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us…” (Romans 12:5–6).
Before Paul talks about what Christians should do, he reminds us what we have received. In fact, Romans chapter 12 begins with the phrase, “by the mercies of God.” That is where Christian stewardship always begins—not with what God wants from us, but with what God has already given to us.
He has given us His Son. He has given us forgiveness. He has given us Baptism, His Word, and His Holy Supper. He has given us a place in His family and made us members of the Body of Christ. Before we are givers, we are receivers. Before we serve Christ, Christ has already served us.
Then Paul says that God gives different gifts to the members of His Body. He mentions prophecy, service, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, and mercy. These gifts are not given for our own benefit. They are given so that we may serve one another.
One person may be gifted at teaching. Another sees what needs to be done and quietly serves. Another knows just what to say to encourage someone who is struggling. Another gives generously to meet a need. Another organizes and leads. Another has a special heart for the sick, grieving, lonely, or hurting. Different people. Different gifts. One Body.
Michael Middendorf, in the Concordia Commentary on Romans, describes a spiritual gift as God’s grace “coming to visible expression in the actual being and doing of members of the body.” That is a great way to think about stewardship. A Christian gift is God’s grace becoming visible in the life of one Christian for the benefit of another.
God’s grace becomes visible when someone teaches a child the faith. It becomes visible when someone visits a homebound member, prepares a meal, serves on a board, helps with worship, gives to meet a need, or simply sits beside someone who is hurting.
As fall begins, our thoughts naturally turn to budget numbers, expenses, income, and stewardship. But Christian stewardship is about much more than dollars and cents. Our financial giving is certainly part of it, but so are the many other gifts God has entrusted to us—our time, abilities, experience, compassion, leadership, and willingness to serve. Stewardship encompasses all that God has given us and how we use those gifts in service to Him and to one another.
In the coming weeks, pledge forms and Time and Talent sheets will be available as an opportunity for each of us to prayerfully consider how God has blessed us and how we might use what He has entrusted to us in support of His work and in service to one another. These are not simply forms to fill out, but an invitation to reflect on the many ways God has equipped His people to serve together as the Body of Christ.
Perhaps, then, the most important stewardship question is not simply, “How much should I give?” but “Lord, what have You given me, and how can I put it to work for the good of others?” Different gifts. Different people. One Body. All graciously given by the same Lord and used together in His service.
In Christ,
Pastor Al
Our mission: “Bringing People to Christ by Bringing Christ to People”