In what ways can you be more faithful with what God has given you? The Master’s Charge to Steward Well “Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas. ‘Conduct business until I return,’ he said.” (Luke 19:13) Jesus’ picture is clear: every disciple receives resources and a mandate to put them to work for the King until He comes. What the King Has Entrusted to You • The gospel itself—1 Thessalonians 2:4 • Spiritual gifts—1 Peter 4:10 • Time and opportunities—Ephesians 5:15-16 • Material possessions—Proverbs 3:9 • Relationships and influence—Matthew 5:16 • Your body and health—1 Corinthians 6:19-20 • The created world—Genesis 1:28 Core Principles of Faithful Stewardship • Ownership: God owns everything (Psalm 24:1); I manage what is His. • Accountability: “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) • Urgency: “Conduct business until I return” implies limited time. • Proportional reward: Greater faithfulness brings greater kingdom impact and future responsibility (Luke 19:17). Practical Ways to Be More Faithful Today Time • Schedule daily Scripture and prayer first (Psalm 1:2-3). • Block deliberate hours for serving others rather than aimless scrolling. Talents & Spiritual Gifts • Identify your gift (Romans 12:6-8) and plug into a ministry that needs it. • Seek skill sharpening—read, train, practice—to multiply effectiveness. Treasure • Tithe the “firstfruits” (Malachi 3:10). • Budget generosity: plan percentage-based giving beyond the tithe (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Avoid debt that enslaves future usefulness (Proverbs 22:7). Influence & Relationships • Share the gospel with one specific person each week (Acts 1:8). • Speak words that build up (Ephesians 4:29). • Mentor a younger believer; replicate faith (2 Timothy 2:2). Body & Health • Maintain purity—flee immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18). • Prioritize rest and exercise so energy is available for service (Mark 6:31). Creation Care • Practice gratitude by reducing waste and cultivating beauty (Genesis 2:15). Guardrails Against Slothfulness • Recognize excuses as unbelief in disguise (Proverbs 26:13). • Compare yourself to the Word, not others (James 1:23-25). • Invite accountability partners who will ask how you are investing your minas (Hebrews 10:24-25). Blessings Promised to Faithful Stewards • Deeper fellowship with Christ—John 14:23 • Increased capacity and responsibility—Luke 19:17 • Eternal rewards that cannot perish—1 Peter 1:4 • Joy that outlasts circumstances—Matthew 25:21 Next Step Snapshot 1. List every resource God has placed in your hand. 2. Write one concrete action for each resource that will move it from idle to invested this week. 3. Review progress every Lord’s Day, giving thanks for gains and adjusting where neglect appears. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23) |
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