STEWARDS
Erin Kranz
Today's Scripture: “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.” Matthew 25:14, ESV
Theme: Life, time, resources, talent, and treasure are entrusted to all of us by God.
THINGS
I am a highly sentimental person. As a kid I used to journal and keep one item from every day to attach to the pages. Objects activate memories and emotions, so I still have a handful of treasures that I could not imagine parting with. One of these is my old teddy bear, which I pulled out of storage to give to my almost two-year-old daughter. It gives me immense joy to watch her play and snuggle with that bear and to reflect on the connection between us. Conversely, when I see her throw it carelessly or the puppy tries to come grab it, I can’t help myself from scooping it up quickly and rescuing it to safety.
IT’S ALL GOD’S
It’s a silly analogy, but how much greater must God feel for the things He entrusts to us. As today’s Scripture reminds us, life, time, resources, and talents are all “His property.” He is the master and Creator of all, and we are gifted with the opportunity to be stewards of His creation and gifts. We’ll learn more this week about how to best use and invest what God has given us, but remembering that it’s all really His is the place to start.
Make It Personal: Are there parts of your life that you’ve forgotten are really God’s? In what areas have you been holding onto or spending His investment like it’s your own? Take a moment to thank God for His good gifts and reflect on why He entrusted them to you.
Pray: Dear God, I thank You for the many gifts and opportunities You have given me to use and multiply Your kingdom in this life. Help me to open my hands and remember that everything is really Yours anyway. Open my heart to be used by You, and help me to say yes to Your callings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Genesis 1:28, I Corinthians 4:1-2, I Peter 4:10
Weekly Memory Verse: “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” Matthew 25:23, ESV