Stewarding Our Gifts - Pastor Alois Paul
Work is a gift from God, woven into our very design. There’s a deep satisfaction in using our hands, our minds, and our energy to create, build, and serve. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we must remember that our work is not just about what we accomplish in this world, but about how we engage in the work of God’s kingdom. It’s easy to hide behind busyness, pouring ourselves into projects, jobs, and even good deeds, while neglecting the spiritual work God calls us to—serving, loving, and building up His people.
Jesus’ parable in Luke 19 reminds us that after salvation, we are entrusted with gifts, opportunities, and resources. Each of us receives a “mina”—not the same as the world’s talents or wealth, but unique spiritual gifts and opportunities to serve. The nobleman in the story (representing Jesus) doesn’t give detailed instructions; instead, he simply says, “Do business until I come.” This lack of specifics can leave us feeling stuck, unsure of what to do next. But the call is clear: engage with what God has already given and revealed. The light is green until God turns it red. We are free to move, to serve, to try, and to risk, trusting that God will guide and redirect as needed.
Fear, comparison, and a victim mentality can paralyze us. We may feel unqualified, insignificant, or afraid of losing what we have. Sometimes, we even blame God or others for our lack of action. But God calls us to faithfulness, not perfection. Even the smallest act—like offering a cup of water—matters in His kingdom. Our motivation must be love for Jesus, not duty, recognition, or fear. When we serve with gladness, God multiplies our efforts and rewards us, not just individually, but as a body. We are not alone; we are members of one another, called to encourage, support, and rejoice together.
God is not limited by our abilities or our understanding of our gifts. He delights in using what we offer, however small, and He often does more through us than we could imagine. The work we do for His glory—whether seen or unseen—has eternal significance. So let’s move forward, using what we have, serving with joy, and trusting that God will bring the increase.