Since I’ve started my journey at Full Deliverance Church, my pastor has taught many lessons and preached many sermons. Over the years, there are two that I’ve always held dear to my heart, two that live rent-free in my head: “Give God Your Best” and “Being a Selective Servant.” Outside of the Word, those two teachings have been pillars of my faith. They’ve shaped my understanding of what it means to live a life that honors God and has driven me to strive for excellence in all that I do.
In my journey of faith, I’ve come to realize that everything I have—my time, talents, resources, and opportunities—is a gift from God. But with these gifts comes a responsibility: the responsibility to be a good steward. The Parable of the Ten Servants, found in Luke 19:11-27, has been a guiding light for me in understanding what it truly means to manage what God has entrusted to me.
Reflecting on the Parable
Jesus’ parable tells the story of a nobleman who leaves his servants with a task: to put his money to work while he’s away. When he returns, he asks each servant to account for how they’ve managed what he gave them. The first two servants invest the money wisely, doubling what they were given. But the third servant, out of fear, hides the money and returns it with no increase. The nobleman rewards the faithful servants but rebukes the one who did nothing.
This story has always challenged me to think about how I’m using what God has given me. Am I like the first two servants, diligently working to grow and multiply what I’ve been entrusted with? Or am I more like the third servant, holding back out of fear or uncertainty?
Faithfulness in the Little Things
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from this parable is the importance of being faithful in the little things. As a society, our day-to-day lives are often driven by what we see and desire, rather than what we truly need. Over the years, I’ve had to be intentional about cultivating contentment and gratitude for what God blesses me with each day. I’ve learned to live each day depending on God and God alone. We can’t be content with what God gives us if we don’t truly value it. Whether it’s in my job, my relationships, or even my daily routines, I’m reminded that God values how I manage the small, everyday responsibilities. When I put my heart into these things, I’m not just fulfilling a duty—I’m honoring God.
Overcoming the Fear of Inaction
I’ve also struggled with the fear that held back the third servant. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or inadequate, leading me to hesitate in using my gifts or taking on new challenges. But this parable reminds me that doing nothing is not an option. God doesn’t want me to hide what I have; He wants me to step out in faith, trusting that He will guide and empower me.
Living Out Stewardship Every Day
For me, being a good steward isn’t just about managing money—it’s about how I live my entire life. It’s recognizing that everything I have is a gift from God and that I’m called to use those gifts to serve others and glorify Him. This means being intentional with my time, thoughtful with my words, and generous with my resources.
Reflection
Friend, we’re just four months away from entering the new year—ARE YOU READY? For me, this is usually the time when I take inventory of my life. I don’t know about anybody else, but I have this tendency to start the year strong and then, somewhere along the way, slowly drift off course. But I praise God that this year has been different. Even with all the ups and downs of life, God has shown Himself merciful. I’ve felt little nudges from the Holy Spirit here and there, encouraging me to keep going, and I’m so grateful for that.
As we approach the end of the year, I like to ask myself a few questions to help dig deeper into my reflection and time with God:
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- What did I accomplish over the last six months? How did I grow?
- How is my spiritual discipline? HOW DID I GIVE GOD MY BEST THIS YEAR?
- In what areas of my life have I been faithful, and how has God rewarded my efforts?
- How can I continue to be faithful in areas where I need to grow?
- Is there a talent or resource I’ve been hesitant to use? What steps can I take to overcome that fear and start putting it to work for God’s glory?
Practical Steps for Stewardship:
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- Evaluate Your Resources: Take inventory of what you have been given. This includes not just money, but also your time, skills, and relationships/positions.
- Set Goals: How can you use these resources to the best of your ability? Set specific, measurable goals that align with your values and faith.
- Take Action: Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back. Start small if necessary, but take concrete steps to put your resources to work.
- Seek God’s Guidance: Pray for wisdom and discernment as you make decisions about how to manage what you’ve been given. Trust that God will guide you in the right direction.
- Be Accountable: Share your goals with a trusted friend or mentor who can encourage you and hold you accountable.
As women, we often find ourselves juggling multiple roles—whether it’s being a mom, a wife, a professional, a friend, or a community leader. In the midst of all these responsibilities, let’s commit together to be faithful, courageous, and intentional stewards, knowing that God does deserve our best and being certain that our efforts are not in vain and that they bring glory to God and blessings to others. I encourage you to take some time to reflect as you prepare for the new year.
God bless,
