As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies — in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 4:10-11).

An old car wax commercial depicts a young woman preparing to sell her car. Aged and dull, the old vehicle no longer holds the allure it once had.  Yet, when the woman uses the “miracle” wax to put back the shine, the new gloss revives her affection for the car. She drives away, tossing the “For Sale” sign.

The commercial speaks to a deeper truth. We love what we invest in. When we labor with God’s gifts to improve the security, maturity, and understanding of other people, we spread Christ’s glory to them and they become more precious to us.

Bringing out the glory of Christ in others by the various gifts and graces he provides, helps them and, at the same time, seals our relationships with them. The result is greater glory to Jesus reflected in the love we share for those who needed our help.

Our churches, our families, our neighborhoods, fellowships, and the people in all of these, become more precious to us as we invest in them, and Jesus shines brighter because we do.

Prayer:
Lord, help me today to use the gifts you have given me to serve and bless others you love. May my investment not be begrudging but a way of making your glory so evident in them that I delight to serve them to see more of your glory.