So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. (Gen. 39:6)
A friend of mine is often asked to volunteer in many roles at church. She sings on the worship team, leads a small group (or sometimes a couple at a time), and consults with the pastors on various aspects of discipleship, all in addition to the responsibilities of working, taking care of her family, and spending time with friends. The remarkable thing is that she doesn’t really ask for these roles. Instead, other people recognize the grace and gifts the Lord has given her, they seek her out to be a part of their teams, and she graciously accepts the opportunities.
Her story reminds me of the often-quoted line from Spider-Man, when Uncle Ben says, “With great power comes great responsibility.” In the context of the comic book, it is implied that power is the superhuman ability Peter Parker receives from a radioactive spider bite. In my friend’s and Joseph’s cases, power can be interpreted as the favor of the Lord. With both, they steward the gifts that God has given them, allowing God to bless their endeavors, and others notice the ownership they take in what they do.
When we take care to respond to God’s presence by being faithful in the gifts that he gives us, we give God glory, and it demonstrates to others that they can depend on us.
Take responsibility for the gifts God gives you.
Allison Krupp is a resident pastor at College Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana, and pursuing ordination. She enjoys having conversations over coffee and laughing loudly with friends.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
