WHAT IS IT THAT YOU HAVE?
- Key Verse
- "So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
God has entrusted us with much!
Reflections
In praying about what God might have me share with you, I was reminded of an experience I had while living in South Africa.The first week I moved to Cape Town I traveled to the US Embassy to register as an American citizen living abroad. Metal detectors and armed guards lined every corner of the building and all the lines seemed endless. Amidst the crowds, I felt like a small, insignificant drop in a large ocean. While waiting, I innocently pulled out my navy colored US Passport. A security guard soon noticed it among the crowd of green colored South African passports, came up to me and quickly ushered me to the front of the line and through security. There, an Embassy Associate welcomed me and helped with everything I needed. Looking back at the lines of people waiting, mostly for visas to the US, I couldn’t help but feel that this small navy booklet was nothing less than gold and gave me a new appreciation for my native land.
When I read verse 1 of today’s passage, I realized that my passport experience was like “being entrusted with the secret things of God.” Just like my passport, how precious and valuable are the gifts God has given us; gifts such as His Word, the Holy Spirit, and salvation to name a few. As my passport caused me to stand out, so will we stand out in our lives by reflecting Christ in our words and actions and practicing the fruits of the Spirit. For each of us this process will be unique. For some of us, it may mean letting our actions be our words; for others it may mean stepping outside our comfort zone. What pleasure it must bring to God, our Father, when we not only recognize the many things He has entrusted to us but also seek His guidance to share those gifts with those He sends across our path.
Discussion Questions
1. What are the secret things God had entrusted to you?
2. How are you proving faithful to what God has entrusted to you?
3. Compare and contrast this verse with 2 Corinthians 4:6-7.
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of .
Jon Majors
April 22, 2010 08:10 AM
What a great experience !! WHenever I think of what God has and will do grtitude is certainly among the emotions. But as I read your writting stewardship, takeing care of what has been given to me kept popping up. I ften think of that word when it comes to assets(money, home etc) but of the TRUTH wow what a responcibilioty. THANK YOU
Michael Popovici
April 22, 2010 09:38 AM
Dear Sarah, Beautiful message tied to your real-life experience. So true and right on the mark. Thank you.
Reta Selitto
April 22, 2010 09:39 AM
Sarah, Thanks for the good word this morning. God has entrusted us with great gifts to share with others and what a joy it is when we actually do.;) It is a good reminder for me and also something to remember as we move forward in our lives. You are such a delight. It been great getting to know you and I know God is going to use you greatly this summer during your trip!
Gary Brandenburg
April 22, 2010 09:59 AM
Great thoughts Sarah from one who carries her passport as a "citizen of Heaven" (Phil. 3:20)to a place where people face the ultimate questions in life. Thanks for being an ordained nurse! It's great to have a former "Maniac" at Fellowship.
Mitzi
April 22, 2010 11:49 AM
Sarah, your analogy is perfect. All I can think of is those people who are still left in the line. What would it be like if we kept that image with us all day long? I might want to make sure that more folks had the opportunity to become citizens of heaven.
David
April 22, 2010 07:08 PM
I like the way your devo was tied into a real life event. It never stops amazing me how God's word runs parallel to daily life, if I just slow down enough to see it. I definately want to be a reflection our Lord and I am so thankful for His gifts. Thank you for the encouragement and for challenging me in my walk!