Tag Archives: stewardship

“Only let us live up to what we have already attained.” (Philippians 3:16, NIV)

We are accountable to God only for what we know, not for what we don’t know.

If we thought only for 60 seconds of all that we’ve been “taught,” whether formally, or through life experience; first-hand, or through the experience of others: we should be amazed how much we already know.

All of us — to some degree — have attained knowledge of what is right, good, true, and edifying. We have attained knowledge of how good it feels to be treated with love and grace; and we have opportunities every day to live up to that knowledge — and the knowledge we’ve acquired beyond such basics.

Are you living up to the knowledge you’ve attained? – Luther

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“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:”. (Philippians 2:5, NIV)

The thought in today’s verse doesn’t end with the colon (“:”).  In the three verses after the colon, Paul goes on to specify the attitudes that reflect the mind of Christ, which are:

(Verse 6): Regarding gifts as opportunities. Some gifts you have, and some gifts you are! Each are given to us for service, not for status!

(Verse 7): Servitude. While “service” is an act in support of others, “servitude” is an attitude. Are we willing to serve only when the situation suits us; or are we committed to serve regardless of the circumstance?

(Verse 8): Humble obedience.  A star athlete falls short of his or her potential when the coach is not obeyed. Likewise, we must do, go, and be as the Holy Spirit directs; not for our own glory, but for the glory of God.

Are you cultivating “the same mindset as Christ Jesus” in your relationships with others?  – Luther

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“Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.” (Proverbs 3:9-10, The Message)

Do we honor God with everything we own: Our time, our talents, our treasure; the power at our disposal by virtue of our position in life and its prerogatives?

If not, we are operating at a level far below both our potential for blessing the lives of others; and we have restricted the “return” from God to our own lives.

You are what your are; and you have what you have. Begin to give God the first fresh hour of your day, rather than the left-over minutes at its end. Give God a tithe of thanksgiving from the top dollars at the beginning, rather than the pennies that remain after everyone else has taken their due.

These small, but significant, steps lead to a life of usefulness, abundance, and joyful surprise.  – Luther

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