Reflecting God ~ Embrace Holy Living ~ Friday, 1 November 2013 ~ “It Is Not My Money” Matthew 25

Reflecting God ~ Embrace Holy Living ~ Friday, 1 November 2013 ~ “It Is Not My Money”

Matthew 25:14  “For it is like a man, going into another country, who called his own servants, and entrusted his goods to them. 15  To one he gave five talents,† to another two, to another one; to each according to his own ability. Then he went on his journey. 16  Immediately he who received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17  In the same way, he also who got the two gained another two. 18  But he who received the one talent went away and dug in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.

19  “Now after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reconciled accounts with them. 20  He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents. Behold, I have gained another five talents besides them.’

21  “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

22  “He also who got the two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another two talents besides them.’

23  “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

24  “He also who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter. 25  I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours.’

26  “But his lord answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn’t sow, and gather where I didn’t scatter. 27  You ought therefore to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back my own with interest. 28  Take away therefore the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29  For to everyone who has will be given, and he will have abundance, but from him who doesn’t have, even that which he has will be taken away. 30  Throw out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’(Messianic WEB)

“It Is Not My Money” by Kenneth E. Crow

About 25 years ago, if I remember correctly, comedian Bill Cosby used the phrase, “It’s my money” in an advertising campaign for a prominent financial firm. The phrase, or the similar “It’s your money,” has become popular in our conversations and advice about money management.

In fact, Jesus’ teaching about stewardship seems to be the opposite. It is not my money. From the view point of stewardship a better phrase might be “It’s my responsibility.” To the extent that the belief that it is my money is consistent with stewardship, it may mean since God has allowed me to accumulate it, I have a personal responsibility to make sure it is well invested and used wisely as the Holy Spirit directs.

This responsibility is not dependent on the amount placed in our care. In Jesus’ parable people received five, two, or one talents and all three might have heard their master’s “Well done.” We receive into our care varying amounts. Whatever the amount, it is not ours. We are responsible to invest and use God’s resources and eventually give an accounting to the master.

Hymn for Today:

“A Charge To Keep I Have” by Charles Wesley

1. A charge to keep I have, 

a God to glorify,

a never-dying soul to save,

and fit it for the sky.

2. To serve the present age,

my calling to fulfill;

O may it all my powers engage

to do my Master's will!

3. Arm me with jealous care,

as in thy sight to live,

and oh, thy servant, Lord,

prepare a strict account to give!

4. Help me to watch and pray,

and on thyself rely,

assured, if I my trust betray,

I shall forever die.

Thought for Today:

“It is our respOnsibility to take the blessings and gifts of God and use them for His glory”(Rob Prince).

Prayer Needs:

Many people in Suriname will come to know Jesus the Christ (Yeshua the Messiah) and receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

~~~~~~~

Nazarene Publishing House

2923 Troost Avenue 

Kansas City , MO 64109-1593

Nazarene Publishing House

PO Box 843336 

Kansas City , MO 64184-3336

~~~~~~~