Luke 16:10-12
We Are To Be Faithful
“He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. If therefore you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous mammon, who will entrust the true riches to you? And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?”
Jesus tells us that the whole world belongs to Him, and that we are to be faithful stewards of what He has given us to work with until the day of His return. I would like to take a few moments and ask us to think about some questions.
1. Some examples of being faithful with money.
2. Some examples of being faithful with our property.
3. Some examples of being faithful in our friendships.
4. Some examples of being faithful with our talents which bring people to Jesus.
5. Some examples of being faithful with our time.
Take a few moments to think about how each of these things can best be used in the service of Jesus. I find that the parable of the prodigal son in chapter 15 of Luke gives us a good illustration of how we are to view our lives as Christians. Just imagine that after the father has shown so much love and grace towards his unfaithful son, that the son starts to take his fathers love for granted and starts to steal from his father again or to try and make a profit for himself off of his father’s goods so that he can pursue the things that got him into trouble in the first place. It would be a great crime against the love his father had shown him. We also must not misuse the grace that our Heavenly Father has had towards us and use His blessings for things that got us into trouble before as well.
Now that we have looked a little into being faithful let us look at the warning Jesus gives us. He says that if we are unfaithful in a very little thing that we will also be unfaithful in much. How many times in a day do we let ourselves get away with little things? It turns out that much of our character is developed by the little things we do or do not do. Let’s just say that a Mom asks her son to take out the trash, the son says yes and then puts it off for a later time and then completely forgets to ever take it out. Jesus says that how we deal with such a small thing is how we will deal with big things. I’ve been the son who has put it off before and I’m sure many of you have been the mother who has asked. Our integrity is built by such small stepping stones and they really matter as we grow up. I know that we all hope for the best as our kids grow up and that someday they will become “responsible”, but how they live now will not be easy for them to overcome when they are older, the same as a tree that is growing crooked and at a young age can be straightened with guide wires. However, when it is fully grown it will be impossible to straighten if it has been left to itself with no guide wires.
These are all good things to ponder. We must consider all things to belong to God and that when He comes He will give us what will be ours if we have been faithful with what is His.
Thanks very much Seth. In every way we should exercise faith in our LORD thy GOD. I am thankful for my job, I am working full time in nursing. I am encouraged to find out ways in which I can help others know about the saving grace of our LORD. I have been led to prayer time. Sometimes during work I pray as I do my assignment. Other times on my supper break I will take the time to pray or read the BIBLE. I really have to say that I am actively working on my time management. Thanks again Seth.
ReplyDeleteGOD's Blessings
Sophia
Well Seth. I took some time out to think about what I am doing for God with my money, things I own, my friends, my talents , and my time. As for my money, a large chunck of it is going on myself. I've already talked to God about that and waiting upon Him for an answer what He really wants me to do. And there can be improvement on my part for God in the area with my friends. I have to make sure I am really forgiving people and not pretending to myself that I am. I also, dont want to pretend to myself that I ain't holding grudges against people when I really am.(Dear Lord, I truely want a pure heart for You in everything I do for You).
ReplyDeleteClaudette CT
When Moses went up to Mt Sanai to receive God's law God said you can not serve the Lord and money at the same time. You can only serve one. then the Lord said, those that live by it shall perish by it...speaking of worship the golden calf. I saw this in the movie 10 commandments. What food I dont eat I donate to the church.
ReplyDeleteScott CT
Merry Christmas! to you Scott. Yes, GOD wants our full 100% attention. In the days of Moses, the Israelites just wanted to do their own thing. Instead of giving all their trust to YAHWEH who brought them out of captivity; they had to find something else to capture their attention. This was the calf they built.
DeleteAnything that we allow to take GOD's glory and honor and our full attention will become our "god". Obviously that's where we will place our attention.
This is meant for sharing.
Sophia, CT
These are good things to reflect on, Seth. As we think of the gift of baby Jesus that God gave to us, are we giving back to God the gifts of our money, our time, our relationships, and ourselves? Are we showing His light to the world to lead others to Him? Everything we have comes from God because He loves us and cares for us. Are we offering our all--everything we have and are-- back to God to show that we love and care for Him and wish to reflect Him to the world? The message of Christmas is to teach us to love as we have been loved by our almighty, eternal, all-loving Father who loves each of us with His ever-lasting love. We are His beloved sons and daughters in whom He is well pleased.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great reflection, Seth! Merry Christmas to your and your dear family, Seth! I pray you have a blessed and holy Christmas day and I wish you every blessing in the New Year! Lots of love, Aunt Sue
Dear Seth, In my response to my first comment; I myself don't read to patients but I will talk to them about spiritual strength. At one time I was fearful but I believe the LORD teaches us the right time and correct approach to do HIS work. I am no longer afraid of speaking for GOD. He is my all in all. A song says "You are my strength when I am weak, You are the treasure that I seek; You are my all in all. Seeking you as a precious jewel, Lord to give up I'd be a fool; You are my all in all. JESUS, Lamb of GOD worthy is Your name" These songs really help me. Sometimes I find myself singing when I'm working with the patients. And know something? they like the songs, because they are so soothing. When they ask about the song this gives me an opportunity to talk about The LORD in my life. And it's amazing that the fear of mentioning JESUS in my work place?? I don't have that anymore. That's who I am, a child of the most HIGH GOD and I am happy to be that. Sometimes, tests come to see my strength? I went through some of these already with GOD's help but I know there are more of these hurdles ahead. There is a part of a scripture verse I have in my heart. "I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me, all things through CHRIST."
ReplyDeleteIf we should examine ourselves, there are so many talents that GOD has imparted to us to use to HIS glory. It's all about GOD. All our work should be to glorify HIM b/c HE deserves it. HE is the LORD of all creation, the LORD of all of us and HE loves when we become excited about HIM. GLORY be to GOD!!!
Now in this festive season of CHRISTmas, we are all reminded of the miracle of JESUS, GOD's only son who came to us. GOD sent JESUS to us that we believing in HIM will save us and bring us back to LORD OUR GOD. Amazing!!! GOD's plan.
GOD's Blessings
Sophia, CT
Dear Seth,
ReplyDeleteThis passage really spoke to me. I am again reminded that baby steps are needed in the right direction as Rome was not built in a day.I too have many areas where I must surrender to God and do what is right and avoid evil. One day at a time.I am going to reflect upon my words and actions as I can be quite blunt and do not mean to be. I will prepare a budget and stick to it as I need to be accountable as to how I spend my money and I will first give God what is HIS-10%. Thank yoy!
Have a Wonderful Day!
Sherri-Lyn, Naugatuck
HI Sherri. I used to thithe.Now I dont have a church to tithe to anymore. I need to find a church that goes according to my beliefs. I beleive Jesus was born either in March or August
Deletebecause Mary visited her cousing sarah, who the bible says was 6 months along. Theologians dont know if that means she was due in 6 months or in 3 months.
Jesus, encontre en ti amor, paz, felicidad, amor y àlegria en mi corazon, y, ya puedo amarme, y dar muçho àmor al projimo. Omayra Colombia.
DeleteI AM ALEX TRANSLATING WHAT OMAYRA IS SAYYING. SHE IS SAYING JESUS, I find in you love, peace, happiness, love and happiness in my heart and now; i can love myself and get to much love to others. Alex - Mexico City
DeleteI am the kid that dont take out the trash when my mom ask.
ReplyDeleteOn a lunch break .Got to go baack. Dustin Northfeild, CT
The other day I was at the grocery store and at the cash register I found a wallet and I handed it over to a cashier. I was honesst because of the commandment. I did it for Jesus, same thing as commandment. It is His Commandment. Gene CT
ReplyDeleteJOHN Dec. 24 2013 at 943 AM
ReplyDeleteI found a wallet and returned to its owner. The owner
was very pleased and said thankyou for finding my
wallet.I BELIEVE ITS BETTER TO GIVE THAN RECIEVE. GOD
WOULD WANT ME TO DO THE SAME.
Reply John CT
I believe the LORD gave me a second chance. I have emotional illness and was ver ill. Was also in the ICU. Last year I found out that I have a gift to help others who suffer from emotional illness. I am now a Recovery Asistant and I am looking to help people deal with this condition.
ReplyDeleteSteve, CT
Lord God. I pray you heal Steve. I pray he has an intimate relationship with You. I pray he has a bible to read your Word. I pray you give him wisdom. Comfort him. In Jesus' name I pray. Be in his heart. Amen.
DeleteSOPHIA. Sheri and Tom seem to be relating tithing (10%) to being faithful to God with our money. Do beleive we should be doing what Mal 3:10 says? I went to a "The lifestyle Serries"this summer at a local church(not my church). I was the only one who stood firm on that verse as meaning giving God back 10% of your money. Everyone apposed me and more ore less said that verse does not apply to your money. I was surprised the pastor of that church, who was present , did not stand up for that verse. Getting back to Sherri and Tom's comments, do you see tithing as being faithful to God with your money or are you beleive like the ones I met at that church?
ReplyDeleteHope you had a wonderful Christmas day!
DeleteFaithful Tithing!!! Yes, it works. It is important to give back to GOD. When we give this offering it goes to the work / the church, into GOD's service. We want to trust GOD with EVERYTHING, not SOME things. I believe HIS word. If I want to be a follower of JESUS in the things of GOD. I must do what is required of me.
E.g. "GOD says to love thy neighbor as we love ourselves". Our neighbor can be the homeless person on the street, or a person who said something that sets off hurt emotionally. GOD wants us to love everyone, not some neighbors, and despise the person on the street and other eg mentioned. Everybody.
In this sense We are expected to try in all ways to please GOD. Giving HIM a tenth of our earnings won't hurt us but will open up the door to many blessings. I will search for more relevant verses.
I think that in the same way we pay back to our country we should be able to give to GOD. HE is worthy of it .
Sophia, CT
Hi everone its been awhile since I gave a comment so as for tithing God gets the 10% of you earings which the bible says in Malachi and that is what is owed to God. Its better to give than to recieve. In Luke 21:2-4 tells us that she gave all she had of her livelihood. God Bless you all.
ReplyDeleteCarmella Ct.
Hi Carmella. I wish I had my bible with me to check Luke 21:2-4.
ReplyDeleteI really like your bible photo. I want to reread Seth's message. I only read it once. I will do that in the moringing. I am too tired to read it now. Am very tired. Love you. God bless. Claudette CT
Hi Seth. I reread Luke 15 NIV and I did not see where there was an unfaithful son who stole from his father. Is it in Luke, or another book , or your version ? Can you please quote the verse? Thank you. God bless.
ReplyDeleteClaudette CT
Dear Claudette,
DeleteI just read Luke 15:11-32 KJV. First I looked up the meaning to the word stole; then I see how this word is applied in sentences. there are more than one ways to use the word "stole" in the English Language. Associated meanings "to take for oneself"; to run off with; and also "to help oneself to; to take that which does not belong to one". According to the Thesaurus these are applicable ways to use the word "stole" So then we could say "The younger son ran off with; took for himself; .....the part of his father's estate which was not yet entitled to him.
Now back to Luke 15:12 JESUS is speaking, "And the younger son said to the Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living"
Now, take into consideration the time and existing customs then. According to the explanation of my BIBLE. In that specific time It was not normal for the younger son to have his share of his father's estate, even while father is alive. (This is why older son became upset with father).
So because the young son knew his cultural values and went ahead to ask the Father for his share of the estate, which obviously was given to him. It's as if he "stole" this. This younger son was not entitled to this asset of his dad at this time. But in continuing HIS message, JESUS wants us to see how much GOD our heavenly Father loves us. He will open HIS arms and readily receive us if we WILLINGLY return to HIM.
GOD's blessings,
Sophia, CT
Thank you Sophia. I can go with that. Thank you. And thank you so very much for your comments to my questions on Job in a few messages back. I am now reading the Book Of Psalms..one of my best books in the bible. Love you sis. God bless
DeleteI feel we should all have our own practice in christ but most of all we are all equal in gods eyes. Lisa CT
ReplyDeleteDear Lisa, GOD's Blessings to you.
DeleteYes, everyone is important to GOD. However, GOD's standard is the same yesterday, today and in the future. The fact of the matter is GOD is our creator and HE wants us to do things HIS way. HE loves us so much. HE understands us too. But HE is a GOD of HIS word.
Get closer to HIM and you will understand what HE is about.
GOD's Blessings,
Sophia, CT
Obedience and patlence to start out in small steps in the faith he has given us .the time and money factor is a start to be used for his glory and honor. But spending time in prayer and asking for his guidance through the holy spirit will direct our ways. To what he would have us do.TOM CT
ReplyDeleteI beleive in God but I dont talk to other people about God.dont discuss God or Jesus with others. I dont because a long time ago Jehovah witness used to come to my door. Gen CT
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