Given to Give

It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

1 Corinthians 4:2

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1–7

John Wesley, an eighteenth-century leader of the Methodist revival, believed that genuine faith in God should be evident in the way we live—through holy living, generous giving, and compassionate care for the poor. As Wesley’s income increased, he made a remarkable choice: his giving increased, but his lifestyle largely did not. His practice reflected the three principles he taught in The Use of Money: “Gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” By “save,” Wesley did not simply mean accumulating wealth, but avoiding waste and unnecessary extravagance so that more could be shared. Paul takes us to the heart of Wesley’s conviction when he asks, “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). Our possessions, abilities, opportunities, relationships, influence, and even our time are gifts placed in our hands by God. Everything begins with grace.

Yet Paul reminds us that stewardship reaches far beyond our possessions. We have been “entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed” (v.1). In Scripture, a “mystery” is not something puzzling or secret, but God’s saving purpose once hidden and now revealed in Jesus Christ—the good news of the gospel. We did not invent this message, nor does it belong to us; it has been entrusted to us. We are called to receive it faithfully, live it faithfully, and share it faithfully. Christopher Bryant writes, “We declare how we value God as much by our actions… as by anything we say.” Our stewardship of the gospel therefore involves both life and voice. How we spend our time, treat others, use our resources, and speak about Christ can all reveal the treasure God has placed in our care. As Paul says elsewhere, “We have this treasure in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7).

Paul brings everything together in one simple requirement: “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). Faithfulness is practiced in the ordinary choices we make today. We might look at what God has placed in our hands—our money, time, abilities, influence, and above all the good news of Christ—and choose one concrete way to use it for another person’s good. We can give rather than accumulate, encourage someone who is struggling, offer our abilities without seeking recognition, or share the hope of Christ through our words and actions. Good stewardship does not begin when we have more; it begins by faithfully using what we have already received. What has God entrusted to us today, and how can we use it for His glory and the good of another?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, 

Everything we have comes from You. Thank You especially for entrusting us with the good news of Christ. Teach us to receive with gratitude, live simply, give generously, serve willingly, and share Your grace faithfully. May we honor You with all You have placed in our hands and speak of Christ through both our lives and our words. 

Amen.