FAITHFUL OVER A LITTLE
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” Matthew 25:21, ESV
Theme: Whatever God entrusts to you, be faithful in how you use it.
THE STATE OF OUR HEARTS
When Jesus spoke the Parable of the Talents, He revealed a deep truth about stewardship: how we handle what God entrusts to us reflects the state of our hearts. Whether we have a little or a lot, it can sometimes feel like it would be easier to give if our financial situation was somehow different. I may believe it would be easier to tithe if I had less, simply because the amount to give would also be smaller. By comparison, I may think of how easy it would be to give if I just had more, because I would surely be living with abundance. The truth is…it is never about the amount. It’s always about trust.
THE ONE TALENT GUY
I am a rehabilitated miser. I’ll admit it before anyone who knows me has a chance to say it first. I labor over important financial decisions. I often have buyer's remorse after large purchases, even those I’ve well-researched, vetted, and prayed about. I am conservative by nature, and that spills over into the way I see finances, sometimes making it difficult for me to be as cheerful of a giver as I’d like to be. I’ve had to learn to be generous and, at the core, learn to trust God. My Life Group recently discussed the last message, and I confessed that I’ve often felt sorry for the one-talent-guy in the Parable of Talents. In this story, the fellow servants of Mr. One Talent received glowing reviews from the Master for their faithfulness while he was chastised for being wicked, lazy, and reaping where he did not sow. Such harsh words! Then, the poor guy was thrown out into the darkness! I didn’t understand this story for a long time. I suppose I sympathized because he was fearful. Not dishonest, corrupt, or deceitful…fearful…with which I could relate.
YOU CAN’T HAVE BOTH FAITH AND FEAR
I’ve since come to understand that fear and faith can’t exist at the same time in a believer’s heart. Giving is no exception. If I trust God to provide, as He has promised, there is no place for anxiety or hesitation. I have nothing God needs. I have nothing God didn’t already supply. I’m simply and temporarily caring for what was always, and always will be, His. My obedience in giving, whether it amounts to a little or a lot, reflects my acknowledgement of His historical and His future provision. Burying my “talent,” instead of stepping forward in faith, demonstrates a lack of faith in Him.
Make It Personal: Whether you are living in scarcity or abundance, trust God to honor His promise to you by testing Him. God is not looking for the largest gift. He’s looking for consistent obedience. When you tithe, remember, it’s not about what you’re “giving up.” It’s a spiritual investment into God’s kingdom that yields an eternal reward. He will magnify and multiply your sacrificial gift. I don’t know about you, but one day, I want to hear the beautiful words, “Well done, good and faithful servant."
Pray: Lord, thank You for entrusting me with the resources I have. Teach me to be faithful with my finances, to honor You first, and to trust that You will provide for all my needs. May my giving be a reflection of my love and faith in You rather than my fear or caution. Help me to not only prioritize my tithe, but to be a good and faithful servant in every area of my life. Amen
Read: Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 16:10; Proverbs 3:9-10
Weekly Memory Verse: “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6, ESV