For Others' Good and God's Glory

Read Matthew 6, John 15:1-17, Romans 12:1-8, 1 Corinthians 12:7-10, Ephesians 4:11-13, and 1 Peter 4:10-11.

God has given each of us spiritual gifts and revelations about how they are designed for the good of others and for the glory of His Name.

• Ephesians 4: spiritual gifts are designed to equip and grow believers in their faith
• 1 Corinthians 12: gifts are for the benefit of others
• Romans 12: utilizing your gifts is an act worship
• 1 Peter 4: these gifts are for the glory of the Giver

Although we should exercise these gifts publicly, we should also take deliberate time to nourish our faith privately. During Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He urges us to practice three spiritual disciplines—giving, praying, and fasting—in secret (Matthew 6).

The fruitfulness of our public ministry is rooted in these private practices. In this time of solitude, we become dependent on God alone to multiply our service solely for the glory of His Name.

Jesus’ exhortation in John 15 to abide in Him and allow His words to remain in us reinforces the critical necessity of our walking intimately with Jesus to bear lasting fruit in our service for Him.

God has given you specific gifts to run the race He’s marked out for you, and you desperately need Him to run well. Intentionally cultivate your relationship with Jesus … that’s the only way to serve Him and His Body effectively and to make the most of the gifts you’ve been given.

Lord, teach us to be diligent in the private practices that overflow into our public ministry. Remind us that You alone deserve glory and You alone bear fruit from our service. Amen.