Text: John 6:11-13
Memory verse:
“Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.” John 6:13
We are called as stewards of God’s resources. One critical thing that a steward must know and always be conscious of is that the resources are not his and he will, someday, be required to give account of how he has managed them. Faithfulness is required in stewardship (1 Cor 4:2).
Now, the life, time, talent, gift, money and abilities that you have are not yours. God gave you to use for His glory. Common characteristics of unfaithful stewards are that they are wasteful and prodigal with the entrusted resources. “.. “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods.” (Luke 16:1).
This was also the problem of the lost son, commonly called, the prodigal son. “… wasted his possessions with prodigal living.” (Luke 15:13). God hates wastage. In our text, Jesus warned against it. “After everyone was full, Jesus told His disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” (John 6:12 NLT).
R.C. Sproul said, “The worst sin against stewardship is to waste your life.” Every day that you spend on earth reduces your years. Thus, spending your life in things that have no eternal value is a waste of life. Also, engaging in things that cut short one’s life is a waste of life. For example, being sexually immoral, driving recklessly, alcohol consumption, poor eating habits and lifestyle, anger and bitterness, love of money etc.The waster blinds the eyes of its victims from things that can endanger their lives (Prov 7:23; Matt 27:3-5).
To waste your time is also to waste your life. When you lose your car, you can always get another back. But when you lose your time, it’s gone forever. That’s why the Psalmist prayed, “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psa 90:12). The time you spent gossiping, arguing, watching ungodly movies and partying are gone. Can you imagine the time you spend on Facebook, WhatsApp and social media? Will you be able to say, ‘I spent my time well’, at the end of your life on earth? “These are evil times, so make every minute count.” (Eph 5:16 CEV). No other time in history has there been distractions like now. These distractions have become tools in the hands of the wasters.
I was impressed recently when a young man told me that he is no longer on Facebook and WhatsApp! Yes, I could appreciate his point. You must be extra disciplined to handle the distractions of the social media.
Likewise, money is wasted when you spend on things you don’t really need, to consume it on your lust or things that don’t glorify God. Do you realize that what you throw away as useless can be someone’s testimony? Don’t build houses, buy cars or cloths that you don’t need. Don’t be a spendthrift because God has blessed you. Be wise in spending. Invest in kingdom projects, save for your future, spend on your needs and give to others (Lev 23:20). “Be sensible and store up precious treasures–don’t waste them like a fool” (Prov 21:20 CEV).
Friends, may you not be guilty of wasting God’s resources. Be wise today and say, ‘no’ to the wasters.
Prayer points
1. Father, please, help me to be faithful in the stewardship of Your resources in Jesus name.
2. I renounce the ownership of all Your resources in my custody, including life, time, money, gifts, talent and abilities in Jesus name.
Today’s declarations
1. I am conscious that I am a steward of God’s resources and that I will account for them someday.
2. Time is life and I don’t allow the devil to waste my time in frivolous and eternally profitless activities.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng