June 8th, 2024
by Dr. Ron Harvey
by Dr. Ron Harvey
The topic today is one of which Jesus had much to say. It is about the stewardship of life. In Luke 12, Jesus shared a stewardship parable and then gave this vital principle:
“To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48).
Note the use of the word much. This verse says much about how much is required of us who are the recipients of much. This verse serves to remind me of a few things (not much) I want to share with you today.
I learned a long time ago—and you have heard me say:
Everything I am above zero is a gift from God.
What is true for me is true of you. We are all the recipients of much! The life we live and enjoy, the abilities we possess and even the opportunities we have to give are gifts from heaven. All of this points to the truth that we are to be faithful stewards of the life we have been given.
The Word of God gives us instruction on how we are to practice faithful stewardship. It involves at least three areas of life—
The first is our use of Time. Time is an irretrievable value in life that you can only spend once and never capture again. Life is a “mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Therefore, we are urged to “make the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:16). This is true because the use of your time today makes a difference in eternity.
Secondly, is our use of Talents—God has given each of us talents (gifts) by which to bless others and through which we find fulfillment in ourselves. Paul said, “Now God gives us many kinds of special abilities, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source for them all. There are different kinds of service, but it is the same Lord we are serving….Now here is what I am trying to say: All of you together are the one body of Christ, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:4, 5 and 27). When we find the special thing God has enabled us to do we find a way to contribute to others not only for today but for all eternity.
Thirdly, is our use of Treasures—Jesus spoke of the investment of your financial resources in eternal things: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).
Indeed, Jesus talked about money. One-sixth of the Gospels and one-third of the parables address the subject of stewardship. Jesus had much to say on this subject. Jesus dealt with money matters because money matters! It may be a surprise to see how much the Bible says about this subject. However, it is evidently because the investment of your money, along with your talents and time, is of eternal consequence. So invest wisely—there is a lot at stake!
Let us resolve to practice faithful stewardship in our lives, knowing that—
“To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48).
Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron
“To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48).
Note the use of the word much. This verse says much about how much is required of us who are the recipients of much. This verse serves to remind me of a few things (not much) I want to share with you today.
I learned a long time ago—and you have heard me say:
Everything I am above zero is a gift from God.
What is true for me is true of you. We are all the recipients of much! The life we live and enjoy, the abilities we possess and even the opportunities we have to give are gifts from heaven. All of this points to the truth that we are to be faithful stewards of the life we have been given.
The Word of God gives us instruction on how we are to practice faithful stewardship. It involves at least three areas of life—
The first is our use of Time. Time is an irretrievable value in life that you can only spend once and never capture again. Life is a “mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Therefore, we are urged to “make the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:16). This is true because the use of your time today makes a difference in eternity.
Secondly, is our use of Talents—God has given each of us talents (gifts) by which to bless others and through which we find fulfillment in ourselves. Paul said, “Now God gives us many kinds of special abilities, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source for them all. There are different kinds of service, but it is the same Lord we are serving….Now here is what I am trying to say: All of you together are the one body of Christ, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:4, 5 and 27). When we find the special thing God has enabled us to do we find a way to contribute to others not only for today but for all eternity.
Thirdly, is our use of Treasures—Jesus spoke of the investment of your financial resources in eternal things: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).
Indeed, Jesus talked about money. One-sixth of the Gospels and one-third of the parables address the subject of stewardship. Jesus had much to say on this subject. Jesus dealt with money matters because money matters! It may be a surprise to see how much the Bible says about this subject. However, it is evidently because the investment of your money, along with your talents and time, is of eternal consequence. So invest wisely—there is a lot at stake!
Let us resolve to practice faithful stewardship in our lives, knowing that—
“To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48).
Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron
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