Leading Within Your Capacity
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 Peter 4:10-11 ESV
Peter reminds us that Kingdom people are called to serve others for the glory of God. God has designed and gifted us uniquely for service by giving us spiritual gifts that enable us to carry out such work. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that these works were thought of by God Himself and we were created accordingly to accomplish these works.
One of those works is speaking on God’s behalf. Kingdom leaders are given the privilege and responsibility to speak the truth of God’s Word, helping His people know His will and calling out untruth in those who do not obey Him. It is a sobering responsibility and one’s stewardship of this before the Lord should cause us to pause.
The second reminder from Peter is that we are to serve others with the strength that God provides us. We each have differing capacities to lead and serve others and these capacities may change given the seasons of our lives and our responsibilities. We can’t compare ourselves with others as we each have various capacities and abilities. God entrusts these to us along with our perfectly designed missions for us to finish (see the Parable of the Talents – Matthew 25).
Note that Peter says we are to serve with the strength God gives us – that is, with everything that we have, no more or no less. Our ‘strength’ – our individual capacity, gifting, ability, talent, training – may not be what we want or think is necessary, but God makes no mistakes. We have all that we need to accomplish all He desires.
Do not try to do more that you are capable of. But, never do less that you have the ability to do. Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Colossians 3:23
Learning to live and lead within your God-given ‘strength’ – being thankful and grateful, not striving or comparing, brings peace and joy. You will experience the blessing of God as you walk in step with Him.
Developing Kingdom Leaders - Tom Yeakley 