“Who will give you your own?”

“And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?” Luke 16,12 (NKJV)

This opening Scripture was spoken by Jesus. They are enlightening words on what faithfulness can avail.

Although the main conversation was about money, it is essential to note that the principles of faithful stewardship revealed here apply also in other areas. “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.” (Luke 16,10 NKJV)

It’s interesting to see how God, in His infinite wisdom, relates or links things together. Like, the causes of some effects are not always obvious. For example, Jesus talks of “unrighteous mammon” and “true riches” in Luke 16,11. The Passion Translation (TPT) gives a remarkable rendering: “If you have not handled the riches of this world with integrity, why should you be trusted with the eternal treasures of the spiritual world?” 

Another illustration is the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25,14-30. A talent was a unit of currency; meaning it was money. Jesus showed the link between faithfulness in stewardship and rulership (authority). Here is an extract:

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.”

“After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them”

“So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’”

“Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” 1Corinthians 4,2 (NKJV)

Faithfulness!

I believe faithfulness begins with gratitude. Being grateful for the resources God has given to us: life, health, financial resources, abilities, gifts, talents (skills) how ever small or big they are in our own eyes.

Faithfulness is solidified when we understand and embrace the responsibility that comes with those resources.

Sometimes we are not always aware that we have resources. Until we do a task or are asked to do it and find out that we are actually able. For instance, a person may not know that they have a good singing voice until they are asked to sing. Our abilities are different but we ALL have been given something (similarly to the parable of talents).

Faithfulness is demonstrated in service. A simple definition of service here would be: working for another.

A gift/talent/ability is to be used; it was given for a purpose. In Jesus’ parable, when the lord returned and found the servant who did nothing with the talent he was given, he called him “wicked and lazy servant”.

The resources we have been given should produce something; something beneficial to others. That's our service to God. We serve God by serving men, in the abilities He has given us and in accordance to His will and purposes. We serve God by serving men because God’s heart is for the people. To Him, they are the “true” riches.

“And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?” 

Your own is where you have the power and the authority: God’s power and God’s authority.

You see, God’s mindset for His children is ownership. Each one having their part.

However, this ownership is an entrustment.

One has to be trustworthy, this is what Jesus meant in the verse above.

Child of God, you are an heir of the world, your Father’s world.

Think like it. Act like it.

The Father is looking for who to trust.

The Father is looking for who will care for His people.

“Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything.” Galatians 4,1 (NASB1995)