What responsibilities has God entrusted to you, and how are you fulfilling them? A Faithful and Wise Servant “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give them their food at the proper time?” (Matthew 24:45) Jesus presents a picture of a household manager who guards, provisions, and cares for everything the master owns until the master returns. In Christ’s own words, every believer now carries that mantle inside His kingdom. The Master’s Deposits in My Care • The gospel itself (1 Thessalonians 2:4) • Spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10) • Material resources—money, property, possessions (1 Chronicles 29:14) • Time and days to steward wisely (Ephesians 5:15-16) • My body and personal holiness (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) • Family members, friends, and fellow church members entrusted to my influence (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) • Work responsibilities and civic duties (Colossians 3:23-24) • A sphere of witness that extends “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8) Feeding at the Proper Time “Give them their food at the proper time” points beyond physical meals to every timely provision the Master wants distributed: • Scriptural teaching that is clear, accurate, and nourishing (2 Timothy 4:2). • Counsel, encouragement, and correction spoken in love (Proverbs 27:6). • Practical aid—meals, hospitality, financial help (James 2:15-16). • Intercessory prayer that covers the household (Ephesians 6:18). How I Am Fulfilling the Charge • Daily meet with the Master first—prayer and Word before tasks, letting Him set the menu. • Teach my household: read Scripture aloud, discuss it, model obedience. • Serve in the local congregation where my gifts meet real needs—teaching children, leading music, running sound, visiting shut-ins, whatever He’s equipped me for. • Budget with eternity in mind—tithe, practice generous giving, and refuse waste. • Keep an open table—use my home for meals, counsel, and fellowship. • Speak Christ on the job, in the neighborhood, and online; the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) stays active until He returns. • Guard personal purity; I’m managing the body He bought with blood. • Schedule rests and sabbaths so fatigue never becomes an excuse for unfaithfulness. Scripture’s Litmus Test for Faithfulness • “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) • “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required.” (Luke 12:48) • “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23-24) The Certain Reward • “Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.” (Matthew 24:46) • “When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:4) The Master is coming soon; faithfulness today is the surest way to greet Him with joy tomorrow. |
    |