The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

Share in Unity

Tom Graves

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October 24, 2026

Share in unity because Christ calls His people to bear one another’s burdens with generous hearts. Paul’s appeal to the Corinthians was not merely about collecting an offering; it was about building a community where love was shown through practical generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:13 Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality.[1] God’s design is that those who have more at a given time willingly share with those who have less, creating a healthy balance within the body of Christ.

Paul pointed to Israel’s wilderness experience, when God provided manna. 2 Corinthians 8:15 As the Scriptures say, “Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough.”[2] God’s provision was sufficient for all. Likewise, He entrusts resources to His people not merely for personal comfort but so they can become opportunities of His grace. When we generously share what God has given us, we reflect His loving and equitable care for His children.

Wise Generosity Reflects God’s Heart

Paul viewed the believers’ poverty in Jerusalem as an opportunity for the Gentile churches to demonstrate the unity of the Gospel. Their generosity would strengthen the bond between Jewish and Gentile Christians, proving that they were one family in Christ. Yet Paul also emphasized wisdom. He did not ask the Corinthians to give so much that they themselves, or those who depended on them, would suffer unnecessary hardship.

Christian generosity is sacrificial, but it is also responsible. God calls us to give until it costs us something, but not in a way that neglects our God-given responsibility to care for our families and relatives.

True generosity flows from trust rather than guilt. It recognizes that everything belongs to God and that He can supply every need. As we faithfully steward our resources, we learn that God’s grace is sufficient for both giver and receiver. We are not to measure generosity by reckless giving but by faithful, loving stewardship that honors God and blesses others.

Living as One Caring Community

The church flourishes when believers bear one another’s burdens. Seasons of abundance and seasons of need come to everyone. Today we may be in a position to help; tomorrow we may be the ones receiving help. Paul envisioned a community where generosity created balance, ensuring that no member was forgotten and that no one carried life’s burdens alone.

When we trust God’s provision, it frees us from fear and selfishness. We can open our hands with confidence, knowing that the God who faithfully supplied manna in the wilderness still provides exactly what His people need. He gives neither too much nor too little, but enough to accomplish His purposes through us.

As we faithfully distribute the resources God has entrusted to us, we experience the fullness of His provision and grace. We become living testimonies that, under God’s watchful care, every member of His family matters. When we share in unity, it is more than financial giving; it is a lifestyle of love, compassion, wisdom, and mutual care that reveals Christ’s heart to the world. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/03faithful-10-18-26

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Give With Willing Hearts

Tom Graves

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October 23, 2026

When we give with willing hearts, it reveals a life transformed by the love of Christ. The Christian life is not just good intentions but faithful action. Paul commended the Corinthians for eagerly desiring to help fellow believers in need. Yet he challenged them to complete what they had begun and also sent Titus to encourage them.

God delights in willing hearts that follow through with obedient hands. 2 Corinthians 8:11 Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.[1] Many believers sincerely desire to serve, encourage, and give. However, life’s distractions, fears, or uncertainties can delay our response.

Paul reminds us that willingness should lead to action. A generous heart is demonstrated not only by what it hopes to do someday but by what it does today. When we act on our willingness, we become hands of God’s grace. Every act of generosity, whether large or small, reflects Christ’s love for others.

God Looks at the Heart, Not the Amount

God never asks us to give what we do not possess. He simply asks us to offer what He has already placed in our hands. 2 Corinthians 8:12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.[2] This truth frees us from comparison. We may not have abundant financial resources, extraordinary talents, or unlimited time. Yet every believer has something to offer.

God measures generosity differently from the world. Like the widow who gave her two small coins, our gifts become precious when offered in faith and love. While people often focus on quantity, God treasures cheerful obedience and sacrificial love. A willing heart transforms ordinary gifts into extraordinary worship. When we trust God with what we have, He uses our offerings in ways we could never imagine.

Giving Reflects God’s Grace

Our willingness to give mirrors the generosity of Jesus Christ, who willingly gave Himself for our salvation. Every act of giving, whether of our finances, time, abilities, encouragement, or compassion—becomes a testimony to God’s grace at work within us.

Generosity is not about pressure or obligation. It flows naturally from hearts that have experienced God’s abundant love. As we recognize how richly He has blessed us, we become eager to bless others.

God does not seek reluctant givers or perfect circumstances. He seeks willing hearts that trust Him enough to obey. When we give according to what we have, He receives our gifts with delight and multiplies their impact for His glory.Top of Form

Today, ask yourself: What has God placed in my hands? It may be a listening ear, a word of encouragement, an act of kindness, or resources to meet someone’s need. Whatever it is, give with willing hearts and with joy. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/03faithful-10-18-26

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Jesus’ Generous Example

Tom Graves

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October 22, 2026

Jesus’ generous example of coming to earth to rescue humanity offers a powerful meditation on what it truly means to give. His self-giving love reminds us that genuine generosity always flows from a willing heart. Paul makes clear that you cannot force generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.[1]

It is interesting to note that instead of issuing a command, Paul pointed believers to love as the true motivation for giving. Genuine generosity flows from a heart transformed by God’s grace, not from obligation or guilt. When God transforms us, love fills our hearts; open hands naturally follow.

Jesus never measured His love by the minimum requirement. He continually gave His time, compassion, forgiveness, and ultimately His life. His example reminds us that generosity is far more than financial giving; it is a lifestyle of putting others before ourselves. Every act of kindness, every encouraging word, and every sacrifice made in love reflects the heart of Christ.

Christ Became Poor for Our Sake

Paul presents the greatest example of generosity in all of history. 2 Corinthians 8:9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. [2] Jesus willingly left heaven to enter our broken world. He embraced humility, hardship, rejection, and the cross so that we could receive forgiveness, eternal life, and the riches of God’s grace.

This “poverty” was not merely material. Jesus emptied Himself of heavenly privilege, taking the form of a servant and becoming obedient even to death. His sacrifice was voluntary and motivated entirely by love. By sacrificing His life for us, Jesus made all who believe in Him wealthy. Christians are saved through His selfless act and are also welcomed into God’s family, granting them a glorious, everlasting inheritance in heaven.

When we meditate on what Jesus has done for us, generosity becomes a joyful response rather than a reluctant duty. We give because we have first received far more than we could ever repay.

Living Like Jesus Today

Following Christ means reflecting His generous heart in our daily lives. Whether we share our finances, time, abilities, or compassion, every gift offered in love points others to Jesus. Our generosity becomes a visible testimony that God’s grace is at work within us.

The world often teaches us to hold tightly to what we have. Jesus teaches us that we find true riches in giving, serving, and trusting God to provide. As we imitate His example, God’s plan for our lives unfolds in ways we never imagined, shaping us into generous, fulfilled believers.

Today, ask God to reveal one practical way to reflect the generous heart of Jesus. Perhaps it is helping someone in need, encouraging a discouraged friend, forgiving an offense, or giving sacrificially to God’s work. As we remember the immeasurable gift Christ gave us, may we become joyful, generous people who display His grace to the world. Let us all follow Jesus’ generous example. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/03faithful-10-18-26

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Excel in Giving

Tom Graves

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October 21, 2026

It is a gift from God to excel in giving and is the Lord’s desire for every believer. As Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, he told them about the wonderful work God had been doing in the churches in Macedonia. Although these churches were not rich, they gave generously, beyond what they could afford.

Paul wrote that they were so generous they begged to share in the gifts for the church in Jerusalem. Paul appeared most impressed not by the amount of money given but by their readiness to dedicate themselves and their possessions to the Lord.

As Paul wrote these words to the church in Corinth, it seems they needed encouragement to continue their giving. For a believer and the church as a whole, it is easy to become worn down and to forget how important our gifts are to others. 2 Corinthians 8:6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving.[1]

The Need for Encouragement

There are times in life when we lose our way and our momentum, and we need others’ intervention. This is why I believe Paul sent Titus to the church in Corinth. Paul could have just sent a letter, but sometimes we need Jesus with skin on. In this case, that person was Titus, who would come to the church in Corinth to encourage them to finish the ministry of giving.

There is something about the ministry of presence that communicates more than just words. A believer such as Titus would have been an encourager, a teacher, and a prayer warrior, bringing renewed enthusiasm for the Gospel and a sense of the need to help others. As Titus visited the church in Corinth, it reminds us of the importance of relationships. Not only was he an encourager to the church, but he was also building important relationships within it.

Remember What You Are Doing Well

A good teacher helps a student struggling in one subject remember the areas where they are doing well. Just as students can become discouraged, so can churches. By building on the areas they are doing well, Paul told them they could become like that in the area of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. [2] Paul saw the potential in what they could become.

The Lord also knows the potential, and it often takes His intervention to realize it. Where would any of us be today if Jesus had not intervened for us on the cross? As we reflect on what Jesus has done, it stirs us to give generously of our time, talent, and treasure. Where can you excel in giving? To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/03faithful-10-18-26

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Finish What You Start

Paula K. Graves

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October 20, 2026

Paul wrote to tell the Corinthians to finish what you start. It seems the offering for Jerusalem had begun a year earlier. We can glean details from Paul’s first letter. 1 Corinthians 16: Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. 2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.[1]

During the year in between the letters, there had been some problems. False teachers had come in and probably siphoned off some funds. Paul had sent Titus with a letter of correction that has been lost in history. This tension in relations between the church of Corinth and Paul may have slowed the collection of funds. As a result, Paul plans to send Titus, a young man he has mentored, to encourage the Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 8: 6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving… 10 Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. 11 Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving.[2]

Half-Finished

It sounds like the Corinthian church enthusiastically started the collection. Then typical life problems got in the way. Now Paul seems to be appealing to their competitive spirit. They had started first. They had been eager for the project then, but their passion had dwindled. By telling them what the churches in Macedonia (northern Greece) were doing, Paul encouraged them to complete what they had started.

They were to rekindle their enthusiasm. Paul’s pep talk is similar to a coach’s half-time talk in the locker room. They knew Jesus had been God incarnate or God Himself come down to earth. In Jesus, God had taken on human flesh and lived and died as a human. Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection brought us our salvation. It wasn’t easy, but Jesus completed the project.

Now the Corinthians were to express their beliefs not in abstract theory but in real-life action. They were to be practical and finish the collection so they could share the love of Christ through a monetary gift to needy believers in Jerusalem.

The Christian Faith Journey

As new believers, we often begin our faith journey with great enthusiasm. We want to use our time, talent, and treasure to help build God’s Kingdom. But often life interferes. Our enemy, satan, will use even good things to distract us from our faith walk. We skip worship to go to a ballgame. We would rather use our talents to build our kingdom instead of God’s Kingdom. We reduce our giving because experts are predicting an economic downturn.

We can lose our way just like the Corinthian church did. God still says through Scripture to finish what you start. Fortunately, our God allows restarts and will help us along our faith journey. Philippians 1: 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. [3] To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/03faithful-10-18-26

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Offering Themselves

Paula K. Graves

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October 19, 2026

Paul explained that the Macedonian churches began by first offering themselves to God and then to their leaders. 2 Corinthians 8: 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. [1]

When Paul said the Macedonian churches gave themselves to the Lord, he meant they trusted God above all else. Paul’s letter to one of these churches, Philippi, gives us insight into how much they trusted God.

Philippians 4: 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus… 19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. [2]

Giving is an Opportunity

Paul seems to have been reluctant to ask the Macedonian churches for an offering to take to Jerusalem. Instead, they begged Paul to let them give something. They saw giving as a privilege. The word translated as ‘privilege’ also means ‘grace’. We often define this as God’s undeserved love for us. Here it refers to what God wants to do not just in and for Christians but through them.[3]

Because they had dedicated themselves to God, God could use them to spread His Kingdom in this earthly world. These churches were open to seeking God’s will. Thus, they were listening when God gave them the impulse to give money with reckless generosity. They wanted the opportunity to serve God by serving and helping others. This was a chance to share their joy of salvation.

Allow God’s Grace to Work

Paul used the Macedonian churches’ offering themselves to God as a model for the Corinthians. They continue to act as a model for us. Genuine generosity begins with a dedication to the Lord which allows His grace to direct our actions. What would result if we all offered ourselves first to the Lord? This would give us a new perspective on giving.

We need to recognize that all we have- body, health, earthly goods, and finances- are a gift from God. While these blessings certainly are meant to sustain us, God also desires that we bless others. Proverbs 11: 25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. [4]

Our willingness and joy in giving are marks of a vibrant faith, revealing Jesus’ transforming love to the world around us. Will you allow God’s grace to work in your life so He can work through you for others? To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/03faithful-10-18-26

[1,2,4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[3] Wright, T. (2004). Paul for Everyone: 2 Corinthians (p. 86). Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.

Joy Leading to Generosity

Paula K. Graves

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October 18, 2026

In his second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul spoke about joy leading to generosity. 2 Corinthians 8: 1Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. [1]

On his third missionary trip, Paul was revisiting the churches in Macedonia he had planted during his second trip. These were in northern Greece, and Paul had faced persecution in each town. In Phillipi, Paul had been beaten and imprisoned. At Thessalonica, Paul had to hide from a mob. The Jews of Thessalonica followed Paul to Berea, where they continued to make trouble. Despite persecution, churches of believers who had experienced the grace of Jesus continued to grow in each city.

Poor But Joyful

The believers in Macedonia may have been poor because of their faith. More than likely, they lost their jobs or were excluded from their trade guilds for refusing to engage in idolatry. The word Paul uses to describe their poverty means “rock-bottom destitution.” The term describes a beggar who has absolutely nothing and has no hope of getting anything.[2]

Yet joy in the midst of persecution overflowed into generosity. This doesn’t make sense to us in worldly terms. Only in terms of Jesus’ renewing power can we understand this. Romans 12: 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect[3]

These new believers understood the grace of God in their lives. Christ’s transformative love had changed them. Because Christ loved them, they in turn were filled with joy and a willingness to love others. It didn’t matter that they didn’t have much financially; they were rich in faith. That had changed how they stewarded the blessings they did have.

Joy of Helping Others

The believers in the Macedonian churches did not give begrudgingly. They gave to help other believers. It was a small token of their appreciation to God for knowing Jesus in this life and the promise of the next. They gave because they had dedicated their lives to Jesus and because Jesus loved them, they could love others. So, they gave out of joy, and by giving they had even more joy because they could help others.

Paul is writing the letter to the Corinthian church from Macedonia, where he is observing their giving, joyful spirit. He is trying to pastor the Corinthians from a distance and wants them to experience the same joy as the Macedonian churches. The word Paul uses for generous means free from pretense and hypocrisy, not self-seeking, and having an openness of heart manifesting itself by giving.[4]

This letter continues to encourage us today. Can we be joyful and generous no matter the circumstances we experience? Can we take our eyes off ourselves to open our hearts in giving? Where is our joy leading to generosity? To learn more, listen here:

[1,3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (2 Co 8:1–2). Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 655). Victor Books.

[4] Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

Eternal Implications

Tom Graves

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October 17, 2026

There are eternal implications in how we use the resources God has given us. The good news is that we can use those resources to build His Kingdom and make an eternal difference in others’ lives. I don’t think there is a greater gift the Lord could give us than the chance to impact others for His Kingdom. 

 In the parable of the three servants, their master was going away for a long time and entrusted each with resources according to their abilities. As the story unfolds, we see the results of being faithful versus fearful and foolish. Two servants worked hard, doubling what they were given and earning praise. 

Matthew 25:21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ [1]  Then the last servant reported to His master what he had done. Matthew 25:25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ [2]

Ramifications of Our Actions

 God grants us free will, but if we misuse our freedom to selfishly enrich ourselves and exploit God’s gifts for wrongful purposes, we will be held accountable before God. In the story of the three servants, Jesus gives us insight into the consequences of being selfish toward God.

 Matthew 25:28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ [3]  

One day, we will be held accountable for our faithfulness. Jesus’s return is certain. Does this imply we should abandon our jobs to serve God? Not necessarily. Instead, it encourages us to devote our time, talents, and treasures wholeheartedly to serving God in all our activities. For some, this might involve changing careers; for most, it simply means performing our daily tasks out of love for God. Stay faithful to what God has entrusted to you. 

Don’t Gamble with Eternity

The greatest gift we will ever receive is faith, yet we can refuse the gift of salvation. In a figurative sense, we can bury it in the ground, like the wicked servant. This person has no interest in serving the Lord or building His Kingdom. It is hard to fathom eternity separated from God, especially when we have turned away from Him in this lifetime. This is not God’s desire. 

God’s ultimate goal is to build a strong, vibrant relationship with you. He invites you to deepen your trusting faith and empowers you to serve His Kingdom by acts of love, kindness, and sharing the Gospel in everyday life. Choosing a lifestyle of faith transforms our lives, aligning them more closely with God’s will and His Kingdom. Our choices have eternal implications. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faithfulness-with-what-is-entrusted

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Consequences for Complacency

Paula K. Graves

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October 16, 2026

The third servant of the Parable of the Three Servants received consequences for complacency. Matthew 25: 26 But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ [1]

The Master gave the third servant a strong rebuke. This was in great contrast to what he had told the other two servants: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”[2] The servant was wicked because his actions were a decision against the Master’s will. His inaction was unprofitable and useless. He had been lazy because he had failed to grasp the nature of his responsibility with what the Master had given him.

Stewarding Our Gifts

The Master had given his servants gifts with an expectation of some return. God entrusts us with His gifts expecting growth, and sitting idly by neglects His purpose and passion for our lives. There is always a temptation to be complacent, or smugly satisfied, with God’s gifts to us. We forget that God gives us our time, talent, and money to use for His purposes, yet we use them to build our own kingdoms instead.

As we can see with the third servant, there are consequences for refusing to use God’s investment in us for His Kingdom. God desires to work through us, His children, to accomplish things for Him here in this life on earth. If we think these gifts are just for us, or if we think God is harsh, we don’t understand God’s character. Having a wrong perception of God leads to wasted opportunities.

God’s Expectations

We must know what God expects when He gives us gifts so we avoid the trap of wasted potential in service to God.

Romans 12:6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.[3]

To learn more about the consequences for complacency, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faithfulness-with-what-is-entrusted

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

A Distorted Perception of God

Paula K. Graves

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October 15, 2026

Unfortunately, many people hold a distorted perception of God. The Parable of the Three Servants teaches us how to use the gifts God has given us well. Thus, the accusations the servant makes against his Master are the same as people often make of God.

Matthew 25: 24 Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ [1]

These are serious accusations. Just as the servant declared his Master harsh, many people picture God the same way. If we think God is harsh and unfair, we will not trust Him and will try to avoid Him. As we look at the stories in the Bible, we find that God loves us and has a plan to restore our relationship with Him through Jesus. John 3: 16 For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.[2]

Exploiter or Lord of All?

The third servant accused his Master of harvesting crops he didn’t plant or work. In essence, this amounts to exploitation. Did God create us to use us as His slaves? This mindset leads us to a fear-based inactive faith. Many see God as an old man with a large stick just waiting for us to make a wrong move so He can punish us. As a result, we are too afraid to do anything.

If we look closely at the parable, we observe that the third servant’s accusations act as an excuse for his own irresponsibility. It was easier to accuse the Master of bad behavior than to admit he was in the wrong. We often do the same with the character of God. Scripture describes God as merciful, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Psalm 103: 8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. [3]

Many would say that the God of the Old Testament is angry and judgmental. True, there is judgment there. But if we look closely, that judgment came only after God had warned them through the prophets and continued to pursue His people to bring them back to Him. Judgment comes only when the people rebel and refuse to honor God. The Lord of All is just and punishes the wicked who refuse to repent.

Re-evaluate Misconceptions about God

A distorted perception of God holds us back from being bold in our faith. All God asks of us is to serve in His Kingdom to the best of our ability. If we refuse to use our gifts for His Kingdom, it reveals our lack of love for God because we don’t care if we accomplish anything for Him. When we align our view of God with Biblical truth, we find that we can trust Him enough to take risks for His glory. We want to re-evaluate any misconceptions about God that hold us back from being bold as we use our gifts to build His Kingdom. All our time, talents, and money are not ours. They are gifts from God, and we are the caretakers. When we ignore, squander, or abuse what God has given us, we are in rebellion and subject to punishment. Don’t let a distorted perception of God stop you from working in His Kingdom. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faithfulness-with-what-is-entrusted

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

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