"Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God." —1 Peter 4:10 (CSB) 

What a precious gift we have been given! The gift of eternity has been delivered so we might choose to accept it and have a personal relationship with our Savior. The gift of Jesus Christ and the gifts and talents bestowed on each of us who choose to believe have been given for His glory and honor. How can we better honor the Lord than to share Him with others and use every gift we have to serve others? We do this with great joy and delight! 

Our true joy comes from our relationship with Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us to serve the Lord and others as good stewards of God’s grace. A good steward is content to follow the Lord’s leading and glad to serve in a joyful manner by using the gifts He has provided.  

As Mission Friends leaders, we can serve our preschoolers, their families, and others who serve alongside us. We can allow our joy to shine as we love, care for, and teach the preschoolers in our care. We can share that joy with the parents and grandparents who visit our Mission Friends class as they drop off or pick up preschoolers. We can practice the habit of joy so our attitudes exude joy, regardless of what is going on around us. 

And we know, as preschool leaders, that not every second of our time with preschoolers goes smoothly. Problems arise, paint gets spilled, blocks get knocked over, or someone trips and falls down hard. How can we serve the Lord and others as good stewards? We can rely on Him to fill us with patience, peace, and joy. Even when upheavals threaten to derail our session plans, we can cling to the joy of our salvation and continue to serve with delight. 

People watch and wonder what a person has that brings such joy. A friend once asked me to tell her the things that make me happy. I shared about Jesus and how He fills me with joy. Our joy opens a door for us to witness about Jesus Christ and give Him the glory and praise. 

Let’s serve joyfully as good stewards using the gifts we have received. For His glory and honor. 

Pray: 

Dear Lord Jesus, we pray for strength to be able to share with others about You and Your love for everyone. We want to be able to share our joy with our Mission Friends and their families. Let our joy shine like a light where others can see what we have in our hearts. Let us continue to grow in our desire to follow Your plan for each of us. In Your most Holy Name, Amen. 

by Becky Rainey