How does the command to "engage in business" challenge your current spiritual priorities? Scripture Focus Luke 19:13: “Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas and said, ‘Engage in business until I return.’” What the Command Literally Demands • The Master’s resources were real money—tangible, countable minas. • The servants were to transact, trade, and multiply those minas, not merely preserve them. • The mandate is time–bound (“until I return”), establishing an expectation of ongoing, visible productivity every day Christ remains away. Christ’s Expectation for Every Disciple • Fruitfulness is not optional. John 15:8: “This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit.” • Faithfulness is measured by increase, not inactivity. 1 Corinthians 4:2: “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” • The Lord links kingdom advance to ordinary work. Colossians 3:23-24 urges wholehearted labor “as for the Lord.” How This Confronts Comfortable Spiritual Priorities • Passive preservation—treating faith as something to store safely—fails the command. • Disconnected devotion—quiet personal piety without outward investment—ignores the marketplace metaphor. • Delayed obedience—waiting for ideal circumstances—contradicts the ongoing “until I return.” • Selective engagement—serving only in church settings—overlooks family, vocation, community, and culture as arenas for kingdom business. Realigning Daily Priorities 1. Steward every resource as capital entrusted by Christ • Money, abilities, relationships, time, opportunities. • Proverbs 10:4 commends diligent hands that make rich, contrasting sloppy stewardship. 2. Treat your workplace as a ministry platform • Integrity, excellence, and witness become spiritual transactions that yield eternal return. • Ephesians 5:16: “Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” 3. Invest in people intentionally • Discipling, mentoring, serving the needy multiplies spiritual minas. • 2 Timothy 2:2 shows multiplication through teaching reliable others. 4. Guard against fear-based inactivity • The unprofitable servant buried his mina out of fear (Luke 19:21). • Replace caution with confidence in the Master who guarantees reward. 5. Keep eternity in view • Christ will return to settle accounts. Revelation 22:12 promises, “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me.” A Practical Checklist for Kingdom Business • Start each week identifying one concrete way to advance the gospel at work or home. • Budget money with a “return on eternity” column—giving, missions, acts of mercy. • Schedule purposeful time with someone who needs discipling. • Evaluate entertainment, hobbies, and online habits—do they multiply minas or merely consume them? • Review progress monthly, rejoicing in gains and adjusting where minas still lie idle. Living the Command Today Engaging in business until He comes reshapes every schedule, expenditure, and relationship. The King has entrusted real capital and expects real increase. Let today’s choices reflect the certainty of His audit and the joy of hearing, “Well done, good servant” (Luke 19:17). |
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