02/03/2024
In Jesus’ parable of the talents, the Lord tells of 2 faithful servants who used what they had been given to increase the master’s wealth. When the master returned from a long absence, he rewarded his 2 faithful servants said to each of them,
“Well done, good & faithful servant! U have been faithful w/ a few things; I will put u in charge of many things. Come & share ur master’s happiness!”
Matthew 25:21, 23
Every Christian longs to hear those words from Jesus’ lips someday in heaven.✔️✔️✔️
We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), but we are saved “to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10). Jesus spoke of laying up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20), & His parable of the talents hints at various rewards for those who faithfully serve Him in this world.✔️✔️
To hear those words, “Well done, good & faithful servant,” from Jesus, first make sure u are saved. The unbelieving will never hear those words, for “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). recognize that Jesus is not only ur Savior; He is also your Lord (see Luke 6:46). “Serve the LORD with gladness!” ✔️✔️✔️
(Psalm 100:2, ESV).
Here are some ideas on ways u can serve the Lord:
1. Share the gospel. The Lord Jesus desires us to make disciples, teaching others of the nature & character of God and sharing the meaning of His death and resurrection (Matthew 28:18–20).
2. Help the disadvantaged. In the story of the rich man & Lazarus in Luke 16:19–31, the rich man is condemned because he doesn’t help Lazarus & because he trusts in his wealth too much. Don’t put self-gratification before the needs of others. 1st John 3:17 says, “If anyone has material possessions & sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”
3. Forgive others of their offenses. This isn’t the same as reconciliation or trust, but it means u renounce vengeance. The Lord Jesus modeled forgiveness: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to the Father who judges justly” ✔️
(1 Peter 2:23).
4. View ur position of authority as an opportunity to help the people under u & view ur position of subservience as an opportunity to submit to ur authority, just as Jesus submitted to the Father’s authority. Either way, u can be Christlike, because Jesus was both master & servant to different people. “Carry each other’s burdens, & in this way u will fulfill the law of Christ.✔️ (Galatians 6:2).
5. Seek to know the character of God better through church fellowship, listening to sermons, studying the Bible, praying, & chronicling how He seems to have been involved in ur life.✔️
6. Recognize that every advantageous position ur in is because of God, the Source of every blessing: “Every good & perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights”✔️✔️✔️
(James 1:17).
7. Be willing to be unpopular, displaying rare courage like the Good Samaritan in Jesus’ parable (Luke 10:30–37). Do what the Bible says is right, always. “We must obey God rather than men” ✔️✔️
(Acts 5:29, ESV).
8. In introspective moral judgment (evaluating ur own character), look at the character of Jesus as a measure rather than rationalize ur questionable actions & attitudes. Show humility.✔️✔️
It all comes down to this:
love God more than anything, & love others sincerely (Mark 12:30–31).
At the judgment seat of Christ, those who are faithful to the Lord who saved them will hear those words,
“Well done, good & faithful servant.”👑
No true servant of the Lord could ask for more.❤️❤️❤️
