How does fear affect our stewardship of God's gifts today? Setting the Scene: Luke 19:20 “Then another servant came and said, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I have laid away in a piece of cloth.’” (Luke 19:20) Fear Paralyzes Stewardship - The servant’s single motive—fear—drove him to hide the gift instead of multiplying it. - What began as self-protection ended in loss; the mina was taken and given to another (vv. 24-26). - Fear still tempts us to wrap God’s gifts in “cloth” rather than set them to work for His kingdom. Fear Distorts the Character of God - The servant accused his master of being “a harsh man” (v. 21). Fear painted God as demanding rather than generous. - Psalm 84:11 corrects that distortion: “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” - When we misjudge God’s heart, we shrink from risk and obedience. Biblical Echoes: Courage Leads to Fruitfulness - Joshua 1:9 — Courage commanded, success promised. - 2 Timothy 1:7 — “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” - Matthew 25:29 — Faithful stewards receive more; fearful ones lose even what they have. - Hebrews 11:6 — “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Fear and faith cannot co-rule. Modern Expressions of Fearful Stewardship - Burying spiritual gifts: “I’m afraid I’ll fail, so I won’t serve.” - Hoarding finances: “What if I don’t have enough?” - Silencing the gospel: “People might reject me.” - Ignoring opportunities: “The timing isn’t perfect yet.” Overcoming Fear through Truth - Remember His ownership: “The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). - Rest in His provision: “My God will supply all your needs” (Philippians 4:19). - Recall past faithfulness: David to Saul, “The LORD who delivered me… will deliver me” (1 Samuel 17:37). - Rehearse His presence: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). Practical Steps toward Faith-Filled Stewardship - Identify the mina: list specific talents, resources, relationships entrusted to you. - Start small but start: invest one gift today—make the call, write the note, give the offering. - Partner with others: accountability dispels fear’s isolation. - Celebrate increments: every return, however modest, proves God’s increase. - Keep eternity in view: “Well done, good servant” (Luke 19:17) outweighs every earthly risk. Fear hides; faith invests. God’s gifts were never meant for cloth but for circulation. |
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