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Dec 15, 2022 18:30pm

It’s Our Responsibility

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Being grant funded came with great responsibility. In my last job, we received grant funds for a majority of our work. While some may think it’s “free money”, it’s not. The time always comes when you must run reports and give an account for how the money was spent and the success you’ve had thus far.

Had we taken the money and not done anything with it or not done what we said we would do, it would be taken from us and there would definitely be consequences.

Yesterday, we studied about the one that would face the consequences. Today, our focus is on the two good and faithful servants.

“For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:14-23)

This parable serves two purposes. First, it is a warning to those that do not truly know Christ as their Savior and, second, it is a reminder to Christians to be good stewards.

These two servants received money from their Lord and knew he would return one day. On that day they would have to give an account for what they did with what he gave them. They were rewarded greatly for their good stewardship and faithfulness.

So, how does that relate to us?

God has gifted you with several things:
1. Salvation
2. Spiritual gifts
3. Financial/material things

So, what are you doing with those things? There will be a day when our Lord returns and we will give an account before Him with what we did with what He gave us.

First, the offer of salvation. Did we take it? Did we trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior and receive His free gift of salvation? And in return, how did we make that increase? Did we share that salvation with others? Did we lead anyone to Christ? Did we share the gospel with anyone?

Second, our spiritual gifts. At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit indwells us and brings with Him gifts to equip us to be an active member of the body of Christ. For some it may be to be a pastor. For others it might be to be a servant, behind the scenes working. Others it could be compassion and mercy for others, the ability to teach or encourage and build others up. We are all gifted differently, but we can come together to build up the body of believers and work as one to accomplish the Lord’s will. But do we? Do we take the time to learn what our gift is? Do we then learn how we might best use our gift for God’s glory? Do we put it into action?

And finally, our financial/material things. The money we have is not our money. We wouldn’t have a thing if it weren’t for the Lord. So, what are we using “our” money for? Are we giving to the church as the Lord commanded? Are we giving to those that are in need within our church? Do we even know or ask about the needs within the church? Are we supporting the things that are furthering God’s kingdom? Or are we investing in ourselves?

When we stand before our Lord and give an account for what we have done with what we have been given, what will we say? What will we have to show? Have we done anything for His kingdom?

I want to hear those words from my Lord, “well done thou good and faithful servant”. What about you?