1 Pet.4:7-11 We live in a time when our stewardship (or lack thereof) of the earth's resources is being scrutinized on a moment by moment basis. A steward is the manager of a resource, often belonging to another.
Peter was aware that "the end of all things was at hand." How much more applicable today! In spite of that reality, his call was and is to live expectantly and wisely. His concern was that careless living be the result of this knowledge- to have a 'last fling' or a 'last kick at the can', 'to go out in a blaze of glory.' His call is to see this time with a sense of urgency- 'for the sake of your prayers.' His expectation of their prayers was with regard to the spiritual well-being of others. His expectation was that God's answer to their prayers would likely come through the one who prayed- so to live a careless life would also prevent God using them in the answer to their prayers. Hmmm....something to think about.
So then, his call is to be good stewards (managers of God's resource) of God's varied grace, a grace given to us because of what Jesus has done for us personally. God's varied grace refers to how He equips each of his children with different abilities. The gift of God to the believer is a resource He has given to his child to manage for His sake. For example, the one who speaks should think of his words as the very oracles (words) of God. The one who serves as doing so in the strength God supplies. God equips his child to glorify him. Are we?
Pastor Paul
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