I have always loved the story of the Good and Faithful Servant.  Jesus tells the story of a wealthy man goes away on a long trip.  Before leaving he entrusts some of his resources to his servants.  What a great picture of Jesus entrusting us with all that we have received from him – our time, energy, and money; our gifts, abilities, and calling.  All for the benefit of HIS KINGDOM.

 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.”  Matthew 25: 14-15

When I was younger  I used to spend a lot of energy feeling bad that I wasn’t more gifted in this area or that.  Sometimes I would complain, “I wish Jesus had entrusted me with more.”  But over the years I have come to the conclusion that that kind of thinking is not only self-defeating, it is also not the point of the parable.

Look closely at what the Master said to the person who received the most, and then returned the five bags of silver along with five more:

 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’  Matthew 25:21

From the masters perspective nobody had really received much. However, the master was pleased because the servant had been faithful in handling a small amount, and therefore could be trusted with much more!

The fourth dimension of being a disciple is GENEROUS LIVING.  That is, being faithful with what God HAS given us, so that he can entrust us with more.  Isn’t that the way it is in life?  The more we use what we have in a wise and consistent manner, the more we are entrusted with.  Not all at once; maybe not even quickly, but faithfulness is rewarded in this life and in the next.  Not so that we look good, but so that we can meaningfully participate in HIS KINGDOM.

Here are some of the key behaviors that Logan and Ridley list in The Discipleship Difference that give expression to GENEROUS LIVING:

• Managing your time and resources for kingdom purposes
• Using your spiritual gifts to bless others
• Giving your money generously and wisely
• Showing hospitality without favoritism
• Living out your God-given calling

(The Discipleship Difference, p. 30)

QUESTION: WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN ENTRUSTED WITH AND HOW COULD YOU USE IT IN A MORE FAITHFUL MANNER?