SCRIPTURE:
“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
Matthew 25:19, 21
OBSERVATION:
“If I had more energy I’d play with my kids. If I had more money I’d be generous. If I had more time I’d serve. If I had more skill I’d volunteer.” I wonder how many times we’ve thought words just like these. We’d never admit it, yet these thoughts often become the source of our inactivity. “I mean, I don’t have much to bring, so I just won’t.” I wonder if we’ve got things a little backwards. I wonder if we brought what we have to Jesus, even if it might seem small and insignificant, if He’d do more than we could dream of. Today Jesus reminds us that He desires our faithfulness in stewarding whatever we have for His glory. In Matthew 25, Jesus tells a parable of a master who was going on a trip, and before he left he gave his servants some money. We’re told two “put his money to work”, and they were commended and rewarded. But the third didn’t do anything with it and was condemned. There’s so much to glean from this simple passage.
APPLICATION:
- We’re told, “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them…” I wonder what that wait was like. I wonder if it was hard to remain committed to stewarding what they had been given so long ago. May we be people of endurance, people who remain steadfast for the long haul, and people who continue to steward what we have even if we don’t see the fruit, see the reward, or see the benefit for “a long time”.
- May we be found “good and faithful”. The Master didn’t say smart, or savvy, or wise, or talented but they were commended for being faithful. Even if you don’t feel like you’re the smartest, or most savvy, or the most talented, God asks you to be faithful to what He’s called you to and obedient to what He asks.
- Be faithful in the little! Be faithful with the time you have, the friends you have, the job you have. Be faithful with the finances you have, the skill you have, the health you have, and do it to honor your Master. Sure, He promises to give you more, but may our motivation be to live in gratitude for what He has given and provided.
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You. Thank You for all You have given me. Forgive me for those times where I didn’t steward Your gifts and wished for more, and forgive me for the excuses I made along the way. Today, I choose to utilize everything You provide: my time, my health, my resources, all for Your glory!
