"We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. "
2 Corinthians 5:10
OPEN THE BOOKS
Read It: Matthew 25:19; Luke 12:42-46
Do you believe the Master's coming back? I don't want you to skip over verse 19 of Jesus' parable of the talents because it's one of the keys to the story. Remember, this is a picture of the kingdom. As the Master, Jesus has gone away on a long journey. In His absence, He has entrusted us with His business on earth. That's what it means to be a steward. But He's coming back, and He will call for an accounting of our stewardship. ardship. That's why as God's managers, we need to remind ourselves that we don't own the things God has left with us, whether it's our time, our bodies, or our bank accounts. Remember, I said yesterday that if God has given-actually, I should say loaned-you something, He does so with the knowledge that you can handle it. If God has loaned you a house, for instance, the assumption is that you can manage a house and-use- it for the good of His kingdom. Therefore, when Christ comes back, He will want to know how well you handled His house. He'll be very interested in how well I handled my pastoral calling. The same holds true for our jobs, our cars, our money, our abilities and spiritual gifts, and anything else that comes under our stewardship. But if we become like the steward in Luke 12 who really didn't believe his master would come back, our outlook will change.
See, if the Master isn't coming back, then there's nothing to get excited about. If the Master isn't coming back, it's my house to use any way I want. If the Master isn't coming back, it's my car to drive, my money to spend. I worked and sweated for it. If the Master isn't coming back, it's all mine, mine, mine. Ah, but don't stop reading too soon. Verse 19 says the master of that estate did return. Yes, he was gone a long time. But he came back, and he wanted to see the books. Don't allow yourself to forget that you're just the manager of God's possessions. Ask Him right now to make you faithful ful so that at His appearing you will be commended. Think About It Imagine the Master saying to you someday, "Well done!" That's what I want to hear. Don't you?
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