Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?” The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:41-48 NIV)
In Luke’s narrative, we get a glimpse of Peter’s desire for special status. Do the Lord’s personally appointed disciples get special consideration? Or, are they on the same level with everyone?
As we live our lives, responsibilities become heavy and burdensome at times, and we are tempted to abdicate up our responsibilities in the name of personal freedom. Whatever our responsibilities — career, parental, marital or otherwise — our stewardship is being tested.
Do we pursue those responsibilities faithfully and wisely? It may be strange to consider fatherhood or motherhood as a stewardship, but they are. The test answers the following question: Can we set aside our personal preferences, wisely and faithfully serving the interests of those under our stewardship?
According to Jesus in Luke’s narrative above, faithfulness and wisdom are the true marks of responsibility. Of course, one’s faithfulness and wisdom is judged according to one’s knowledge. Leaders or oversight stewards will have been entrusted with more knowledge than those they serve. They will also be expected to be faithful and wise in their responsibilities. Finally, they will be rewarded with greater responsibilities. On the other hand, oversight stewards who abuse those responsibilities will be doubly surprised when the Master returns. (1) He gives them no prior notice. (2) He places them among the unbelievers.
People who think that merely believing in Jesus gives them a “got-it-made” status should carefully study the Master’s teaching here. More than mere belief is required. Knowledge requires obedience. Greater knowledge and gifting require greater responsibility. Responsibility requires accountability.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Enable us to serve you faithfully and wisely without ever abusing our responsibilities in your Kingdom. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today as your serve the Master faithfully and wisely,