Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 24:45-51)
There are always rewards in life for our obedience and consequences for our disobedience.
The Bible teaches that you will also reap what you sow. In this parable in Matthew 24, one servant is commended for his faithfulness and wisdom in handling what the master gave him. Notice that he isn’t commended for his belief in the master or his listening skills to what the master had to say. He is commended based on actively being productive by serving the master with what was put in his hands.
God rewards faithfulness. But faithfulness cannot be achieved without action corresponding to our willingness to hear and follow. Also, God warns that there are real-life consequences for the servant who mistreats others by abusing them and indulging in their fleshly desires, thinking that the master won’t know about it. He expected a “delay” in the master’s return so he would have time to repent and change things before the master showed up. Because of this arrogant and dismissive mindset, the unfaithful servant suffers severe consequences for his misconduct and negligence.
Practical Application
When God gives you anything, realize that you are responsible for and accountable for everything God has placed in your hand. Let your actions be consistent with your faith. Decide to diligently serve others and represent the Lord with what He has given you.
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