Being a faithful steward. Daily Devotional - January 25, 2010

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 26, Matthew 25, Esther 2, Acts 25.

The other day I came to church and overheard one of the leaders say, "You can always count on two people coming to church looking adorable - Hannah and Bishop." (Those are my children)The leader proceeded to compliment how they are well dressed, put together and always have their hair done so nicely. It may have been a small compliment to them, but to me it meant a lot. The small statement meant so much not because I am prideful about my children looking the best, but because I strive to be faithful in even the small things God has given me.

What this leader doesn't know, is that I consider my children to be my ministry. Although they don't always look or act perfect and the investment I make in them is not glamorous, I realize that God has given them to me as an opportunity to be faithful.

I used to think of faithfulness within the four walls of the church or being "faithful" in one's marriage. When I read the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, I am reminded that we have opportunities to bless God as we are faithful with each and every little thing He entrusts us with.

Verse 16 gives us an example of how to be faithful: "The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more." The master responded: (Verse 21) "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"

There was an urgency is the man's desire to increase what he has been given. Being a faithful steward or manager means you don't let any gift go to waste. You put it to work. You multiply it, increase it, polish it, perfect it, and use it to bring God glory! What have you done with what God has given you? Have you gone at once to put it to work?

Joyce Meyer says, "Don't pray for God to give you a new car if the one you currently have is filled with McDonalds wrappers!" This statement is a reminder to me to be a faithful steward with what God has given me before I start petitioning for an upgrade!

To the man who took the talent he was given and buried it, the master took that talent back and gave it to the one who had been the most faithful. That is the power of faithfulness, that when you are faithful with even the smallest things God gives you, He will bless you with even more.

Enjoy the journey,
Mel Miller