The Currency of the Heart: What Do We Do With What We've Been Given?

Brothers and sisters, fellow disciples on this journey—have you ever paused during a quiet moment, maybe after a heartfelt study session or while waiting for a transfer to begin, and wondered about the true currency of the gospel?

We know, deep in our bones, that when we answer the question, “Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior?” we receive the promise of eternal life. That's the incredible gift we’ve been taught to share in every missionary discussion. But a friend recently shared a thought that really stopped me in my tracks, a thought that echoed the wisdom of King David himself.

He said it so clearly: When we arrive at the celestial kingdom, we will have to answer another question: “What did you do with what I gave you?”

It’s not about the size of the offering, the visible gift, or the perfect service. It’s about the integrity of the heart.

This concept, rooted in 1 Chronicles 29:14, is so vital to our understanding of discipleship. David understood that everything—our talents, our time, our families, even the ability to gather Israel—comes from God. He famously declared, “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give so willingly? All things come from thee, and of thy hand have we given thee.”

Think about that. It strips away any sense of self-sufficiency. We are stewards, not owners. The real measure isn't the *thing* we gave, but the *spirit* with which we gave it—spontaneously, with integrity, and with a heart focused on the Lord’s glory.

This isn't just theory for a Sunday talk; this is the daily work of the Spirit. It means that whether you are in the MTC, in the field, or right here in your living room as an Internet missionary, the question remains the same: How are you cultivating your heart? Are you allowing the Spirit to mold you, filling you with His words, just like Michelle described?

The Daily Discipline of Stewardship

If we take this principle—that everything comes from Him—and apply it to our daily lives, it becomes the ultimate guide for our discipleship. It’s the core of Preach My Gospel in action. It means that when you study in a Book Club, you aren't just reading pages; you are stewarding the knowledge the Lord has provided.

For those of us who are in the trenches of missionary preparation, remember that the preparation itself is a gift. Every hour spent studying, every time you practice your talk, is an act of stewardship. And for those of us who are returned missionaries, the desire to continue the work, to serve in capacities beyond the typical assignment, is that same spirit at work.

My challenge to you this week, as we continue to build up our kingdom through the Spirit, is to identify one area—a talent, a relationship, or even a habit—that you tend to take for granted. Then, ask yourself: “Lord, this comes from You. How can I steward this with greater integrity this week?”

Keep the Conversation Flowing

This isn't a solo journey, even when we are serving individually as disciples. We are meant to build each other up! If you’ve been feeling the pull to deepen your understanding of these principles, I highly recommend diving into the teachings of Avraham Gileadi. His insights on scripture are always rich, and you can find excellent material through the Iron Rod resources available in LivingBook.

If you are feeling ready to put this into practice with others, let’s connect. We’re hosting a virtual session next week to discuss how to integrate stewardship into our testimonies. Keep an eye on the community calendar for details!

Remember, we are all miracles. We are all stewards of the most precious gift: the chance to follow Christ. Let's keep our hearts open, let's keep asking those hard questions, and let's keep building the kingdom together.