Today’s devotion builds on the thoughts from Sunday’s Sermon – Week 9 of “Fan or Follower – Be Faithful!” (LISTEN HERE).
What does faithfulness look like?
Yesterday was a harsh, but real look at what unfaithfulness looks like and the severe consequences it receives. Any rational, let alone religious, let alone Christian would look at that conclusion to Jesus’ parable and say, “I DON’T want to be that guy!”
So what was different about the other two servants…the one who was given five talents and the one who was given two?
The Master trusted the two. Perhaps they also had shown a pattern of trustworthiness. Yet, these two servants understood their role. They understood that the talents of money that was given to them was not theirs to do with as they chose, but rather to steward as the Master desired. The fact that these servants immediately went to work, indicates that they had an understanding and relationship with the Master. They understood the desire of the Master and realized that what they were given was his and they were to steward it as he desired, not as they desired.
A faithful servant has a relationship of trust with the Master. They recognize they have been chosen by the Master to be his servants.
John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
A faithful servant understands and acts on the reality that what they have has been given to them to steward as the Master desired it to be used.
Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; 2 for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.
A faithful servant goes to work. The servants took their five or two talents and put it to work.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
The faithful servant acts on the relationship they have with their Master and understand their live’s purpose is to work for the Lord.
The return will come. Faithfulness is not about the return, but about the heart that drives the action.
A heart that firmly fears, loves, and trust in God above all things will live each day for the Lord, using the gifts, talents and abilities…life itself…for the kingdom of God.
Enjoy living for the Lord today!
Apply: What changes today when I remember that I am the Lord’s servant and here today to do his work?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for calling me to serve you. Guide me each day to live faithfully for you! AMEN.