Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
This passage of scripture reveals to us the sacred truth that we are stewards of God, with materials and resources loaned to us to manage and multiply in efficient a manner as possible. The talents given out are allotted according to our several abilities, for no one is ever given more than they can handle. But what is most important is not how much we are given, but what we do with what is granted unto us, for we can be faithful in little as well as in much, depending on how we go about the management of God's goods.
Joseph entered Egypt as a slave, with nothing but God and character to his name, yet the sacred record shows that he was able to excel in the management and multiplication of his master's goods, to the point where Potiphar entrusted everything to Joseph, from his bank accounts to the many chariots, sheep, and servants he probably owned. The claim that a person is poor and therefore cannot excel is without merit, and is often used as an excuse to reason away the diligence and faithfulness that is required of all stewards. But there is also another important point for us to consider, and it has to do with the relation of our own efforts and God's power being implemented to produce successful stewardship. Let's read:
Genesis 39:1 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites" .... 2 And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man" .... 3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. 5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. 6 And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat" ....
Joseph's success was not the result of a direct miracle as many people think, but God crowned his well-directed efforts with success, as he implemented the principles of good stewardship on a consistent basis. A lack of understanding of this truth leads many of us to look for a miracle where it is not warranted or even needed, and as a result we often expect God to do what we ourselves should be pro-actively engaged in. Joseph implemented godly principles such as honesty, integrity, diligence, consistency, and frugality, whilst avoiding the snare of wasting his master's goods, just because they were not his. Some workers are deficient in the handling of tools and equipment that belongs to the company they work for, and they are not careful to use judiciously, the resources that come under their jurisdiction, since they do not have to pay for it. And because of this they could not care less what the cost to their company would be.
But Joseph took Potiphar's material goods personally, as if they were his, and the same care that would have been manifested in managing his own possessions, was thus displayed in the handling of another man's goods. The way that Joseph became prosperous was by diligent work and careful consideration, whilst trusting God to do what he could not. A farmer has ten acres of land to plant up, and he has the seed to plant it, but unless he actually puts them in the ground, there will be no harvest. Furthermore, he must be careful to put them in the ground at the right time, making sure they are watered as they grow, and he must also take care of bugs and other insects that may go after his plants relentlessly. Then when he reaps a bumper crop, it would not be by chance, but rather God will have crowned his efforts with success. This principle and method of faithful stewardship is written in the scriptures, so that there may be a balanced understanding in our minds as to how it all works. Let's read:
Genesis 31:36 And Jacob" ..."answered and said to Laban" ... 38 This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten. 39 That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night. 40 Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.
1st Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
In our daily walk with God, and in the material blessings and resources He has placed under our care, let us therefore be found faithful in that which is least as well as that which is much, for faithful stewardship involves repercussions for time and for eternity. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which shows us the results of excellent management in all things, for this life is just a rehearsal for the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, which shall be given to those who were faithful stewards to God in this life. Let's read:
Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!