At the beginning of this week, we learned that to be dutiful in service is to perform what is owed (our duties) like slaves for a master (our acts of service).  The ancient Athenians ingrained that sense of duty to their city by reciting the Ephebic Oath.  And Welles Crowther showed what it looks like in action when he died to save others.

But how do we know what is owed?  And who is it that we have an obligation to serve?

Every one of us has gifts—some of you are great athletes, others brilliant scholars, others masterful artists, and still others hilarious comedians.  But as Paul reminded his readers in his first letter to the Corinthians, “What do you have that you did not receive?”  In other words, none of us gave ourselves those gifts—we were blessed with them by our Creator.

And that is why Peter writes: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

So, what do we owe?  Everything—because everything we have is a gift.  And who are we obligated to serve?  One another—because that is the best way, indeed the only way, to steward our gifts well. 

Using our gifts for the benefit of others: That is what it means to be dutiful in service.

And now for the Friday Funnies:

A guy is sitting at home when he hears a knock at the door. He opens the door and sees a snail on the porch. He picks up the snail and throws it as far as he can. 

A year later, there’s another knock at the door. He opens it and sees the same snail. The snail looks up and says to him, “What was that all about?”

Have a wonderful day.