August 21, 2025
Faithful in Little, Faithful in Much – Part 4
Luke 16:12
08/21/2025
12
And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? (ESV)
How a person uses temporal things is a clear indication of their view of spiritual things. God appoints us as managers of His creation. In the end, we own nothing, we are only care-takers and stewards of the goodness of God’s blessings. If we are selfish, we misuse and destroy the property of others. If we truly care about out neighbor, we treat their property with respect. Jesus told His disciples: ‘‘And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?’’
Our true and permanent riches come only when we have eternal life. That life is assured as we have faith in Christ Jesus, in His death and resurrection as sufficient for our redemption from sin and eternal death. Although we do not earn eternal life by our good works, by our stewardship of those things entrusted to us, our management of the blessings of time, talent, and treasure give evidence of our faith.
We see the evidence of a lack of faith, as people deface the property of others. Vandalism, carelessness, littering, and hoarding are all evidence of our selfish nature.
Proper stewardship is a response to God’s rich grace, love, and mercy. We seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, by beginning and ending each day with prayer. We frequently accept His invitation to be in His presence to receive the forgiveness of our sins. Being blessed by God, we share our time, talent, and treasures with our neighbors, using those things entrusted to us for their benefit.
May our Lord grant that we reflect His love and mercy as we are stewards of His grace. Amen.