GPS Guide – December 6, 2019

GIVER OF GIFTS

Friday

Read: Matthew 25:14-21

¹⁴ “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. ¹⁵ To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. ¹⁶ The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. ¹⁷ So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. ¹⁸ But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

¹⁹ “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. ²⁰ The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’

²¹ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (NIV Matthew 25:14-21)

Study: We are given the Spirit of God, which is to be used for the work of the Kingdom. We have the choice to invest what we have been given by pouring out our own understanding and belief in Jesus to those around us who do not know Him. This, in turn, can grow the Kingdom of God exponentially when people continue to invest in others. We have been given limited time on this earth, and we are not guaranteed tomorrow. Because we have chosen to live a life with Jesus and choose to serve him, we have been entrusted with the authority to minister to others through the power of the Holy Spirit. When we honor this mission and pour out our lives to God’s people, we will be rewarded in heaven. If we choose to bury or postpone our investment, then we are not honoring the very gift we did not ever deserve, but were so selflessly given. We are called to follow Jesus through it all. These parables seem harsh at first, but the servants who took the time and effort to grow the what they had been given were rewarded with more than they ever imagined.

Pray: Father, We come to you and ask that you would show us how to love those around us and invest what you have so willingly given us. You chose to invest in me, and I want to honor you by pouring it back out where you call me. Don’t let me be lazy with my talents, but help me use them to further your kingdom. When I get frustrated or lazy, bring me back to you and guide me with your purpose and vision. Amen.