In Luke 12:42-48 Jesus continues teaching on the theme of constantly being prepared for His return, and meanwhile being active in His service through the parable of the wise, faithful steward whose master had given him the mandate to manage and administer his household business during his absence. At first glance we may say this applies to Pastors, Teachers, and those with special ministry assignments, which would be correct; however, the same Greek word for steward here is also used in 1 Peter 4:10 where it applies not only to proclaimed ministers, but to every believer saying, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Each one, all of us, has an assignment to one another; manifold, motley and various, working together In Romans 12:3-8 another apostle writes of the diversity of ministry gifts, but all work together for the benefit of God’s family and kingdom – for edification (building up). “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” Romans 14:19. Those who are so involved when the Master returns are promised blessing. But in the next breath Jesus issues a warning against becoming distracted and beating one another down, the meaning of the Greek word is to “thump”, the implied meaning is to punish, and the figurative meaning is to offend. Those who fall into this category put themselves in danger of judgment! Remember our calling is to “above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins” 1 Peter 4:8.
Service through love
By Rose Hill
God has given us love,
For love covers much sin.
From God we take love,
For through love we can win.
God has given us love,
For love is of God.
Through His love we do live,
When to others we give.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright …1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.