Being Present in God's Story: Stewarding Today's Grace

In the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan, we each have a unique role to play. But how often do we find ourselves dwelling on the past or anxiously anticipating the future, rather than fully embracing the present moment? The truth is, Jesus Christ remains unchanging - yesterday, today, and forever. This constancy provides us with a solid foundation to approach life with gratitude for our past, hope for our future, and intentionality in our present.

As children of God, we are called to be good stewards of the grace we've been given today. But what does that truly mean? At its core, stewardship begins with the humble recognition that everything we have - from the breath in our lungs to the talents we possess - is a gift from above. As James 1:17 reminds us, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights."

This realization should spark a profound sense of gratitude within us. There isn't a single thing that truly makes our souls smile that didn't come from God. When we embrace this truth, we're better positioned to manage these gifts faithfully and generously.

But there's an urgency to this call of stewardship. As Peter writes in 1 Peter 4:7, "The end of all things is near." While this may sound ominous, it's actually an invitation to live with wisdom and intentionality. Like Moses' prayer in Psalm 90:12, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom," we're encouraged to recognize the brevity of life and prioritize what truly matters.

So how can we be good stewards of God's grace today? Peter outlines several key areas:

1. Live with stability: In a world of constant change and ambient anxiety, we're called to be sober-minded and self-controlled. Our stability, rooted in Christ, can be a powerful witness in turbulent times.
2. Prioritize prayer: Prayer isn't just about petitioning God; it's about cultivating a relationship with Him. Just as we don't only brush our teeth when they feel dirty, prayer should be a consistent part of our daily lives.
3. Love earnestly: Jesus emphasized love as the greatest commandment - love for God and love for others. When we love earnestly, it covers a multitude of sins, allowing us to overlook offenses and foster unity.
4. Show hospitality: This goes beyond just inviting people into our homes. It's about living an invitational life, opening our hearts and spaces to others without grumbling.
5. Serve others: Jesus, the King of Kings, demonstrated the ultimate act of service by washing His disciples' feet. We're called to follow His example, using our gifts to serve one another.
6. Use your gifts: Whether they're natural talents or spiritual gifts, we're entrusted with abilities to be used for the good of others and the glory of God.

These areas of stewardship encompass our talents, time, and treasures. It's about taking inventory of what God has given us and prayerfully considering how we can leverage these gifts for His kingdom.

Remember the story from 2 Kings 6? Two starving men discovered an abundance of provisions left behind by fleeing enemies. Initially, they began to indulge themselves, but then they realized, "We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent." They understood that the blessing they had received was meant to be shared.

As Christians, we've experienced the ultimate blessing - the grace of God through Jesus Christ. We've been given everything when we deserved nothing. Now, we have the privilege and responsibility to share this good news with others.

The purpose of all this stewardship is clear: "that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 4:11). Our goal isn't personal recognition or advancement, but to showcase the beauty and glory of God.

John Piper puts it beautifully: Jesus "purchases our undeserved and everlasting pleasure" so that "he might become our all-deserving everlasting treasure." When we truly grasp the magnitude of God's grace in our lives, our natural response should be to treasure Him above all else and to generously steward the gifts He's given us.

This message of grace centers on Jesus Christ, the hero of the story. It's through His sacrificial death and resurrection that we receive forgiveness for our sins and reconciliation with God. This gift of grace is available to all who believe in Him.

As we reflect on these truths, let's challenge ourselves to take inventory of our lives. What talents, time, and treasures has God entrusted to us? How can we be more intentional in stewarding these gifts for His glory and the good of others?

Whether you find yourself snowed in at home with family, connecting with friends over the phone, or serving in your local church, there are always opportunities to invest in others generously and intentionally. Let's commit to being good stewards of God's grace today, right where our feet are planted.

In a world that's constantly pulling us in different directions, may we find stability in Christ, cultivate a life of prayer, love others earnestly, show radical hospitality, serve sacrificially, and use our God-given gifts generously. As we do, we'll find ourselves playing our unique part in God's grand story of redemption and renewal.

Today is a day of good news. Let's not keep it to ourselves. Instead, let's invite others to "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8). For in Christ, we have received grace upon grace, and we're called to be faithful stewards of this incredible gift.