Well Done Good and Faithful Servant…
I listened to a John Bevere sermon recently that was called “multiply.” It was basically about the book he wrote on the judgment and entering into eternity (his book is called “Driven by Eternity” and he also has an audio CD/download called “Affabel: Window into eternity”). If your fear of the Lord isn’t healthy- this will get it to a healthy place! As believers in Christ, we are saved by His grace alone when we put our faith in Jesus. When we become born again, the Holy Spirit also gives us gifts. In the parable of the talents, the servants were only called “faithful” when they multiplied what the master gave them. The servant who didn’t multiply what the master gave him was called a “wicked servant” by the master. Yes, this passage referred to money- but God also gives us gifts and talents that we are called to use to spread the gospel, create disciples, and expand the Kingdom of God.
As believers, we will attend the judgment seat of Christ where we will be judged for REWARDS in eternity. 2 Corinthians 5:10 says “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
1 Corinthians 3: 11-14 “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.”
As believers, we are disciples. We are called to spread the gospel and create other disciples. Not everyone is called to a platform of ministry in the form of a pastor or teacher. But, we are ALL called to spread the good news of Jesus Christ for salvation. Maybe you are called to raise children who will evangelize and teach- bringing hundreds to Christ. Maybe you are called to share your testimony who will bring one person to Christ, who then has the finances and will partner with a ministry to bring the gospel to an entire village in the 10/40 window (an area of people unreached by the gospel stretching across northern Africa and into southern Asia). Maybe you are called to tithe to a church who is big into missions and because of your generosity thousands end up coming to the saving knowledge of Christ. Maybe you are just called to serve or be hospitable. What we do on this earth for the Kingdom of God matters. And as you can see, in our obedience, God brings multiplication to impact many. It’s never JUST about US.
How many believers only go to church and do not participate in any sort of multiplication of disciples? Are we just living to be saved only or are we using our God given talents to bring others into the Kingdom? If we are a leader, are we building other leaders up for Kingdom purposes? If we are a teacher, are we teaching others? Are we helping train up others in their gifts so they can go out and reach more people?
If God is calling you to write a book, are you being obedient or are you afraid to fail? If He is calling you to give a word of knowledge to a stranger, do you obey or are you too afraid to step out in faith? If He is calling you to serve in the children’s ministry at your church, are you? Are we even seeking The Lord to ask Him what He wants us to do for His kingdom or are we just praying for God to help us to get what we want (help with finances, a job, etc)?
What are the words we’re speaking? What is REALLY sobering is that all my words and motives will be judged (Matthew 12:36). We will be judged for every idle word we speak. We should be seeking God for what He is calling US to do. We won’t have to stand before Him and give account for anyone else but ourselves. If someone treats your poorly, don’t return evil for evil and ruin your witness. I will be the first to admit, I have unfortunately done this and I will have to give account for it. We aren’t perfect, but are we progressing?
God has answered so many prayers yet sometimes I’ve found myself distracted and grumbling- so focused on myself that I am missing opportunities to grow in sanctification, purpose, and minister to others. Where are my eyes? Are they on Christ and what HE is calling me to do in this season? Or are they elsewhere? Am I focused on eternity and the purposes of heaven or am I focused on temporal things that are going to “burn up.” I don’t mean to sound “preachy” but this topic is a sobering one.
I’m talking first to myself! I don’t want to stand before Jesus, entering into Heaven, but ashamed that I didn’t complete what He called me to. I want to hear “Well done my good and faithful servant!” The good news is that, if you’re breathing, it’s never too late. Seek the Lord and pray for His will and purpose in your life. Pray to be used to bring others to Christ. Pray that He would give you a testimony to share with others.
I am challenged in this area and if you’re reading this I pray it challenges you as well. Multiply what God has given to you by sharing your testimony, using your gifts and resources, bringing others to Christ, and creating disciples….
