A God-lived Life Is Good for Us and Gives God Happiness!

His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Com and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:23

Jesus told the parable of the master who gave three servants gold in large, yet differing amounts: five bags to the first, two to the second, one to the third. Then he went away for a time. When the master returned, the servant with the five bags had put the money to work and earned five more. The one with two earned two more. But the one who was given one bag hid it in the ground. When the master came back, he handed it back to him. The two who had put the gold to work were told the words in the passage above. The third servant, who did nothing, was rebuked.

Here's the lesson: it brings joy to the master when his servants are faithful workers. The master gives different gifts and responsibilities according to his wisdom and the ability of each servant. But he assigns work for each one and expects faithfulness in that work. Even the one with the least number of gifts still has work to do.

The message is clear: God has given us different amounts of gifts, abilities, and wealth. Our task is not to focus on what the next person has or to be paralyzed with uncertainty or fear of the master. Our goal is to be wise in the way we use the gold (money) God has given. We are to put it to work in his kingdom to do the good he intends with it.

God’s greatest pleasure is your faithfulness with his gifts. He loves when you grow in ability, understanding, and responsibility. He is pleased to give more as you serve him faithfully with what you have received from his gracious hand. Sometimes we act like the servant with one bag of gold, fearful and uncertain. When that happens, we don’t use it or hoard it for ourselves. God forgive us for Jesus’ sake! He pours out his grace on us because of Jesus’ cross and empty tomb.

Jesus, the perfect servant and substitute, points us to the examples of the two faithful servants and declares, “Live in my grace and forgiveness.” Reflect my giving heart by using the bags of gold he’s given you to work in his kingdom and faithfully labor for him. Whether two or five bags are gained, the Lord says, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” We’ll have eternity to thank him for making us a part of his great kingdom and allowing us to participate in his work. We have such a wonderful opportunity to witness to others about how he has provided for us through every stage of life and caused us to grow in our service to him and others.

Faithful management of his gifts is good for us and makes God happy. God bless your life as you live for him!