JULY 7, 1 Corinthians 4:2

It is important to be a faithful steward. A steward is someone who takes care of a responsibility on behalf of a master or boss. Faithfulness is the mark of a good steward. Whatever task he is given, he carries it out responsibly and faithfully.

Jesus told a story (Matthew 25:14-30). A master planned to go on a long journey. So he called his servants and gave them special responsibilities. To one servant, he gave five talents to invest for him. To the second servant, he gave two talents to invest for him. To the third, he gave one talent. Then the master left, leaving the servants to take care of his money.

While he was gone, the servants planned how to invest the money. The servant who was given five talents started a business and earned five talents more. The servant who was given two talents also started a business, and gained two talents more. The servant with one talent was different. He did not use the money but hid it.

Some time later the master returned home. He called his servants to ask what happened to the money. The first servant came and returned a total of ten talents. Including the five he earned. The second servant came and brought the two talents he was given and two more talents. The master was extremely pleased with them. He said, “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.”

But when the third servant came, he brought only the same talent he was given. He hadn’t invested the money. His master was furious with him for his laziness. He had not carried out his responsibility. So the master took the one talent away from him and gave it to the first servant who was responsible.

Don’t be like the third servant!

Thought: Am I responsible and faithful?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to do my duties responsibly and faithfully for this is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.