Faithfulness in Service

Good and Faithful 

Reading Matthew 25:14-30

 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matthew 25:21 

 The Kingdom of God was likened by Jesus to a land lord who goes on a long journey. Before he goes he calls three of his servants and entrusts them with money according to their ability. When the land lord returns two of the servants doubled their money. The land lord is delighted with the two good and faithful servants, praises them and rewards them with double measure of money. The one who was given the least played it safe and just buries it in the ground. In addition to this the servant rebukes the master for being so unfair and unkind to him. The master is furious. He calls him lazy and wicked and throws him out into the darkness where he weeps and wails over his stupidity. God is not disappointed if we try our best and fail. It is our effort that he will reward. The land lord punishes the man because he does not make any effort to use his talents and glorify God.

This parable is based on the principle that when we have a talent and practice it regularly we become better and can progressively do more and more with it. If we fail to exercise it we will eventually lose the talent. What are the gifts, talents, and abilities that God entrusts us with and expects us to faithfully use them for his glory? For example one can be a dish washer who washes the dishes or manager who takes care of a company or wordsmith who writes books or athlete who plays in a professional team. If we use our gifts and live lives that give the glory to God we have faithfully discharged our duty. However if we live bitter lives and bury our gifts, we do not honor God.

We must always remember whatever we have is not our own. It has been entrusted to us to use to bring glory to God's name. When we aspire and try to make a name for ourselves or amass wealth for ourselves we are doing this to glorify ourselves and not God. God knows our thoughts and our intentions; we must be careful with how we use them. God is not looking at our success or brilliance but our faithfulness and love we express toward Him.

 We see two contrasting manner of responses to the call, given by the servants. Two of them did their best to use their gifts serve God's Kingdom. They respond with growth, fruitfulness, and faithfulness. But beware of being like the servant who did not use his gifts to serve God’s kingdom, but instead is bitter, rebellious and unfaithful. He also expressed fear and bitterness toward God more than love and faithfulness. When we productively use our gifts to serve one another in love, then we are of great use for the Kingdom of God (1 Peter 4:10-12). Jesus told the parable because he wants us to understand this truth about what it means to be Good and Faithful.  Whatever we do, we should work at it with all our heart to build up God’s Kingdom with Christ as the head and the source of all our wisdom(Ephesians 4:15-16).

Prayer : - Lord Jesus, may we always speak the truth in love and grow up to be more like you. Watch over our thoughts and actions and direct us to build up the whole body of believers to love another and love you as our Lord. Amen.