The one who faithfully manages the little he has been given will be promoted and trusted with greater responsibilities. But those who cheat with the little they have been given will not be considered trustworthy to receive more. Luke 16:10
How’s your character growing these days?
Honest, trustworthy, dedicated, loyal, and faithful are a few character describing words. These words typically relate to some form of success. To be successful in life doesn’t require you to have a lot of money according to Jesus, but He does expect us to become good at handling what He has blessed us with.
In other words, whatever amount of money you do have – manage it well by being honest. Whatever your job duties are – perform them well by showing you are dedicated and trustworthy. Whoever is your friend – care for them well by being loyal. Whatever area of service you volunteer in – serve others faithfully. The list goes on and on.
Where are you in the process of taking a true look at yourself and digesting the questions….am I managing well what I have been blessed with? Am I dedicated and faithful with what I have? Am I honest with others and myself?
Maybe you believe you do take care of yourself and others above average. But do you seem to point fingers or make excuses more often as to why some things seem to not be as good as they could vs taking ownership yourself as to the reason why they are not? Some excuses might be…it’s my spouses fault, my boss is not fair, they didn’t say anything nice to me so why should I keep trying?…it won’t hurt if I do this one little thing that no one will know about.
These statements might carry some truth, but Jesus doesn’t expect our responses and management skills to improve based on others nor our excuses. It’s based on ourselves. It’s building our character. No matter who is to blame…how are we going to respond? How are we going to grow and become better than average in creating great characteristics for us to use and for others to follow?
Are we possibly being held back from feasting at God’s table because of our lack of managing well the very blessings Jesus has provided us?
Making excuses can even lead us down the bumpy “cheat dis – road”. We might start gradually becoming dishonest because someone else is demonstrating that to us or we are continuing to deceive ourselves by not being real. We might become disappointed with ourselves because of our mismanagement errors that lead us on a downward spiral. Disrespect from others who see us not being honest and making excuses becomes very possible even amongst family and friends.
The one who faithfully manages the little he has been given will be promoted and trusted with greater responsibilities.
If we reach any portion of these concerns, then we are cheating ourselves from receiving all the blessings God has designed for us. We also are cheating others from experiencing a positive example that can have a huge impact in their lives.
Blessing or cheating others are so opposite and carry huge outcomes. How many of us can recall examples of growth we received because of something someone did or said to us at a particular time in our lives that added much flavor in making us who we are today?
Being faithful in managing what God has given you has many tasteful benefits. Your good character can expand to create an exciting team, delightful family, and energetic work environment.
God is here to instruct and reward you. He has so many good and better plans for you than this world can ever offer. We simply need to have an appetite to supervise properly the blessings He continually provides us.
Bonappetit in managing your blessings well!
Lingering Thoughts:
Communicate with Him often – Let Him know when you mess up. Let Him know you want to improve. Acknowledging your need and desire is a big step in the right direction. He is waiting to hear from you.
Read His Word often – Every growth opportunity your character needs can be achieved and discovered in His Word, the Bible. Your instruction manual is waiting to be utilized!
Photos by Create228studio
SUBSCRIBE and become our Friend in the Oasis! Lingering In The Oasis will supply you with every devotional, Be Encouraged Today, and One Word posts once available. We look forward to having you join us!
