“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others” (2 Corinthians 9:10–13).
It is impossible to understand and appreciate your identity as a steward without acknowledging that you have no claim to the genesis of the gifts given to you. Our identity is in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The grace that we received as adopted children of God through baptism into Jesus’ death and resurrection is freely given without any merit in us. We are who we are and do what we do because God loved us and gave us freedom in Christ to live a redeemed life with purpose and joy.
He knows the needs of His children and designed each of us with unique traits to care for and enjoy all things in Creation. First and foremost, these gifts we have been given allow us to express our joy and thanks to God. When we share our gifts with others, they see this joy and are compelled to seek the source of this joy. 2 Corinthians 9:13 connects the motivation of the joy of the Gospel with the acts of “generosity of our contribution” (not just money, but works also) so that we can understand the identity and work of a steward of God.
Paul writes that we will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way. From seed to bread in meeting the body’s needs, from seed to the “harvest of your righteousness” in meeting the soul’s needs, God has all needs covered and provided through His acts of stewardship through us. When God says every, He means every. No gift used by God’s steward is unimportant or unworthy nor is any gift too important or too worthy in the sharing of His grace with the world.
Are you an artist? Paint with joy! Are you a firefighter? Rescue with joy! Are you a lawyer? Advocate with joy! Are you a salesperson? Sell with joy! Are you a zoologist? Care for the animals with joy! You have been enriched with every good gift that God has most certainly equipped you with to share His Gospel. Knowing that what this world calls “self-esteem” is sourced by these God-given gifts, we can humbly and confidently lift others up with our unique gifts and point them to Jesus. What a privilege!
Coming full circle, at the end of each day remember what God has done through you and give Him thanks for the opportunities and outcomes enabled by His gifts to you. Consider the results, seen and unseen, that God has delivered through you. Embrace the knowledge and joy that comes with participating in the work of the Gospel as a loved and redeemed child of God. He identifies, He equips and we, along with others, receive the blessing of fellowship and service in the name of Christ.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, giver of all good gifts, thank you for creating each of us with special gifts to share the joy of the Gospel. We celebrate our differences from each other and ask you to help us find ways to serve each other. Remind us daily that our identity is in Christ who uniquely equips us to be good stewards for His sake. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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