Imagine for a moment that you are a good and faithful steward of a rich man’s estate. As that good and faithful steward, you would be encouraged to hear your master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.” It would be right to expect such a response to your wise investment of his resources.
This is true in the world; and more so in the kingdom of God. In fact, these are Jesus’ words; words He used in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). It is His desire to reward those that take their stewardship seriously. He is looking for those that will invest His talents faithfully.
As we consider this issue of kingdom investment, it is important to start by recognizing that God doesn’t need anything from any of us.
The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein. Psalm 24:1
If I were hungry, I would not tell you;
For the world is Mine, and all its fullness. Psalm 50:12
If God doesn’t need anything from us, why are the consequences so tragic for the wicked and lazy servant (v. 30)? Clearly, God takes His investments in us seriously; and so should we. The economy of His kingdom is important to understand and follow.
It is important to note that the good and faithful steward was investing, not for His own gain, but for that of his master; that is what makes him “good and faithful”. He is not looking out for his own prosperity, but for the profitability of his master’s kingdom. Selflessness is key in the kingdom of God.
Recognizing this, we begin to understand that God’s purpose for His investment in us is our testing and training, and the expansion of His kingdom. It is His heart’s desire that we share in the rule of His kingdom. It is also true that He desires to use us, with the talents He has entrusted to us, to bless those in our spheres of influence.
In closing, let me encourage you with two more thoughts about the “talent” of this parable. First, the talent represents more than money; it is all that God has invested in you. Second, good and faithful servants invest all that has been given to them. They leveraged everything entrusted to them for the master’s purposes.
Workplace Ministry Tip: If you have buried any part of your talent, dig it up and put it to use. Take inventory: What has the Master entrust to your stewardship? Start now (the time is growing short) to invest your talent wisely. Invest all you have for the Master.
Let me know how I can help you in this regard; and let me know what you are hearing from the LORD. You can reach me at rob@inlightconsulting.com.
Humbly yours and forever His,
