Which other Bible passages emphasize the importance of faithful stewardship and diligence? Luke 19:26 in Focus “He replied, ‘I tell you that everyone who has will be given more. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.’” (Luke 19:26) • Jesus closes the parable of the minas with a sober, literal reminder: stewardship is rewarded or removed. Echoes in Jesus’ Teaching • Matthew 25:29 mirrors the wording: “For everyone who has will be given more… whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.” • Together, the minas and the talents underline one truth: God expects productive faithfulness with every gift entrusted to us. Lessons from Proverbs: A Working Faith • Proverbs 10:4 — “Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” • Proverbs 12:24 — “The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.” • Proverbs 13:4 — “The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.” • Proverbs 21:5 — “The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty.” • Proverbs 27:23-24 — “Be sure to know the state of your flocks… for riches are not forever.” These verses ground stewardship in everyday work: watch the herds, plan carefully, refuse sloth. Faithfulness in the Small Things • Luke 16:10-12 — if we are “faithful with very little,” God can trust us with “true riches.” • 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 — “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” Small, unseen acts of obedience matter; they prove a heart ready for larger responsibility. Work as Service to Christ • Colossians 3:23-24 — “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” • Ecclesiastes 9:10 — “Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might.” Labor becomes worship when done for Jesus, not merely for a paycheck or applause. Effort Empowered by Grace • Philippians 2:12-13 — “Continue to work out your salvation… for it is God who works in you.” • 2 Peter 1:5-8 — “Make every effort” to grow in virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and love. Grace is no excuse for passivity; it is the power that fuels diligent effort. The Coming Audit • Romans 14:12 — “Each of us will give an account of himself to God.” • 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 — “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” • Revelation 22:12 — “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each according to what he has done.” The King who entrusted resources will return to settle accounts—eternally. Putting It Together Scripture speaks with one voice: God places resources, abilities, and opportunities into our hands and expects faithful, diligent stewardship. From Solomon’s proverbs to Jesus’ parables to Paul’s letters and John’s Revelation, the consistent call is to work wholeheartedly, manage wisely, grow persistently, and live expectantly—because the Master is watching, enabling, and soon returning with reward in His hand. |
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