Use It or Lose It: The Call to Faithful Stewardship: Part 1
Day 1: The Owner and the Stewards
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:14–15 (CSB)
Commentary:
Jesus begins the parable of the talents by establishing a crucial truth: everything we have ultimately belongs to God. Like the master in the story, God entrusts us with His possessions—our time, talents, resources, and opportunities—expecting us to manage them faithfully. While we may have control over these resources, we must never forget that God is the true owner, and we are stewards. Our role is to manage wisely and align our decisions with His will.
In today’s world, it’s easy to slip into a mindset of ownership, believing our possessions, achievements, and even our lives belong solely to us. Yet this attitude hinders our surrender to God. Acknowledging that everything we have is on loan from Him changes our perspective, reminding us to handle His resources with gratitude, humility, and purpose.
Reflection Questions:
- How does viewing yourself as a steward rather than an owner change your perspective on your possessions and gifts?
- What are some ways you can better align your decisions with God’s will?
- Have you been holding onto something as if it were yours alone? How can you release it to God?
- Why is it important to recognize God as the ultimate owner of all things?
Thought of the Day: Everything you have is on loan from God—use it wisely.
Song: Take My Life and Let It Be (Frances R. Havergal)
Prayer Focus: Ask God to reveal areas in your life where you need to release control and trust Him as the rightful owner.
Day 2: Gifts and Responsibilities
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:15–18 (CSB)
Commentary:
The master in the parable distributes his wealth according to the abilities of each servant. God does the same with us, entrusting each person with specific talents, resources, and opportunities. This distribution isn’t random but intentional, reflecting God’s understanding of what we can handle. The servants who received five and two talents got to work immediately, doubling their master’s money. In contrast, the servant with one talent buried it out of fear and mistrust.
God’s expectations for us are not based on comparison but faithfulness. Whether we’ve been given much or little, the question is the same: Will we put His resources to work for His glory? Comparing ourselves to others only breeds dissatisfaction. Instead, we should focus on using what we have with gratitude and faithfulness.
Reflection Questions:
- What has God entrusted to you, and how are you using it for His glory?
- Are you tempted to compare your gifts to others? How can you overcome this mindset?
- What does it mean to be faithful with what you’ve been given?
- How can you identify the unique ways God has equipped you for His kingdom work?
Thought of the Day: Faithfulness, not comparison, is the measure of stewardship.
Song: Be Thou My Vision (Traditional Irish Hymn)
Prayer Focus: Pray for contentment and gratitude for the unique gifts and responsibilities God has given you.
Day 3: The Call to Action
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:19–23 (CSB)
Commentary:
When the master returns, he calls his servants to give an account. The first two are commended for their faithfulness and entrusted with even greater responsibilities. This illustrates a key principle: faithfulness in small things leads to greater opportunities in God’s kingdom.
God’s rewards are not just about the future—they begin now. Faithful stewardship brings joy, purpose, and the opportunity to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” But this requires action. God has given us everything we need to serve Him. The question is, will we step out in faith and use what we’ve been given?
Reflection Questions:
- How are you preparing to give an account to God for how you’ve used His resources?
- In what areas of your life do you need to take bold action for God’s kingdom?
- What does “faithfulness in small things” look like in your daily life?
- How does the promise of God’s reward motivate you to be faithful?
Thought of the Day: Faithfulness today prepares you for greater opportunities tomorrow.
Song: Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Thomas Chisholm)
Prayer Focus: Pray for boldness to act on what God has called you to do and for faithfulness in every area of life.
Day 4: The Danger of Complacency
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:24–27 (CSB)
Commentary:
The servant who buried his talent represents a mindset of fear, laziness, and mistrust. Instead of stepping out in faith, he allowed complacency to dictate his actions. His failure to invest the talent wasn’t due to lack of ability but lack of trust in the master’s goodness.
This part of the parable is a sobering reminder: inaction is as much a choice as action. God has called us to be active participants in His kingdom work. Complacency, procrastination, or fear of failure dishonor the trust He has placed in us.
Reflection Questions:
- Are there areas in your life where you’ve buried your “talents” out of fear or complacency?
- What steps can you take to overcome fear and step out in faith?
- How does trust in God’s goodness empower you to take risks for His kingdom?
- What opportunities have you been avoiding that God may be calling you to pursue?
Thought of the Day: Fearful inaction dishonors the trust God has placed in you.
Song: I Surrender All (Judson W. Van DeVenter)
Prayer Focus: Ask God to remove any fear or complacency that keeps you from stepping into His plans.
Day 5: The Final Reckoning
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:28–30 (CSB)
Commentary:
The parable concludes with the one-talent servant losing what he was given. This harsh ending highlights a key truth: God takes stewardship seriously. Our time on earth is finite, and so are the opportunities we’re given. When we fail to act, we forfeit the blessings and rewards that come from faithful service.
But there’s hope. As long as we have breath, we have the chance to repent, realign our hearts with God, and faithfully invest what He’s entrusted to us. The question isn’t how much time or talent you have left—it’s what you’ll do with what you have now.
Reflection Questions:
- How does the parable’s ending motivate you to take your stewardship seriously?
- What steps can you take today to realign your life with God’s purpose?
- How can you ensure that you’re investing your resources in ways that honor God?
- What legacy do you want to leave as a faithful steward of God’s gifts?
Thought of the Day: Faithful stewardship leaves an eternal impact.
Song: How Great Thou Art (Carl Boberg)
Prayer Focus: Pray for a renewed sense of urgency and purpose in using your gifts for God’s kingdom.
This devotional provides a structure for growth and reflection over five days, emphasizing faithful stewardship, trust, and bold action.