"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much." Luke 16:10 (ESV)
The eternal economy of God, called the Kingdom of God, operates under his control. He alone determines the ultimate consequences for every choice. Nothing is contingent in his economy. His promises are valid and will be fulfilled in every case.
One of his unalterable laws dictates that those who are faithful in their stewardship will be given more to manage. God is very interested in all of creation being brought into alignment with his purpose. Each of us is given a portion to manage for that purpose. As we trust him for resources and apply them to our portion we are partners with him in subduing the earth. Since God is good in business, he is watching with interest those who can handle more territory. He wants the Christ-honoring influence emanating from believers to be enlarged. Those who are faithful are given more. Those who are not lose even what they have.
"For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away." Mark 4:25 (ESV)
God gave the Garden of Eden to Adam and Eve. He never intended for them to settle there. If they would live by his kingdom economy they would expand the garden to the entire earth. Of course, they disobeyed and lost the garden they had. Jesus, the last Adam, has gained the right to again expand the garden. He has given his followers the restored fellowship with the Father that Adam and Eve lost. He has given them restored authority, and made divine wisdom available to them.
We today have the opportunity to expand the garden of his presence to the entire earth. We do that by being faithful in what we have been given. God assures us he will expand the responsibility of the faithful. We should be diligent in determining what he has given us. We cannot afford the distraction of envying what others may have. That takes the focus off of our assets and how to maximize them. Neither can we afford greed and selfish ambition. We must not set our goals on definitions of success that motivate us to collect, hoard and measure. Those who have excess resources, but are not using them faithfully as God's managers, are in danger. We shall all give account of how we used the stuff in our charge. Riches without vision and participation in God's management plan, will rot our souls and rob our coffers.
Think of it. It is a great plan. Each is given a little garden. When we manage it well, God will expand it until our gardens connect and the kingdom of God, that operates without a hitch in heaven, will cover the earth to the glory of God.
SYNERGY - Better Together: October 01, 2010 click for more > Five Pillars of New Testament Discipleship: : October 15, 2010 click for more > Family Reunion Retreat: December 03, 2010 click for more >
