Stewardship of Charisms

Sunday, September 9, 2018
1 Peter 4:8-10, Romans 12:6-13 KJV

With the start of a new school year, there are a number of students enrolled in gifted and talented programs.  The consensus in academic circles is these students must be challenged to make continuous progress in school.  In a similar vein, the Bible is explicit that as Christ followers we have each received a spiritual gift given to us to accomplish a spiritual purpose.  Spiritual gifts are grace gifts, or charisms.  We are not only stewards, but gifted stewards, or stewards of charisms. The Apostle Paul listed the inventory of spiritual gifts so that as stewards we may know the inventory and follow God’s instructions.

Use It or Lose It. No matter how great a gift may be, it is useless unless employed.  A person who is greatly gifted but does not use the gifts or to misuse them for personal gain wastes them and is of little use to themselves or others.  Using that gift enriches and supports God’s flock, and in turn, the richness of gifts in God’s flock supports the individual.  When the Holy Spirit surveys the congregation, does He say of you “What a waste” or “What a faithful steward.”

Failure To Serve Is Failure To Love. If we humbly use our spiritual gifts we can save souls.  We are to minister with our gifts in the Spirit and with the Spirit.  Failure to use our charism is a failure to love and support others.