Responsibility and Accountability
ICS Daily Devotions
Matthew 25:24-27 (NKJV) Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.
Our attitude influences our relationship with God. This servant’s attitude towards the master affected his ability to produce with the money entrusted to him. God cares about our attitude towards money and possessions. Although Jesus is teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven, He uses this earthly parable to illustrate the truth about being good stewards.
It is a test of each servant’s respect and honour for the Lordship once they have been entrusted with the responsibilities of the master’s goods. Similarly, how we utilise the material resources given to us reveals our true priorities in life. Our attitude is reflected in our worldview of wealth.
The master was gracious towards his servants, treating them well, trusting, and loving them enough to entrust them with his money. However, this does not mean his goodwill would be reciprocated with their love, loyalty, and eagerness to obey his instructions. The servant with one talent was ungrateful and acted for himself rather than for the master!
Many Christians behave more like the third servant, hiding their talents in the ground because they are unwilling to do what the master expects—create wealth with the money he has entrusted to them. They see God as a stern and angry judge rather than a kind, merciful, and generous Heavenly Father. In fact, some may find it difficult to accept that everything comes from God and belongs to Him.
This servant buried his one talent in the ground, demonstrating a distorted view of the master, thinking he would enjoy the fruit of his labour. He forgot that no harvest could be reaped if the master had not provided the seed for sowing; he failed to recognise his graciousness, love, and excellent plan for him. He was unwilling to do more than the bare minimum, did not acknowledge the Lordship or the need to be accountable.
It is the grace of God that He entrusts us with whatever He has blessed us with on earth. Therefore, instead of living solely for ourselves, we should be faithful stewards of what He has entrusted to us, as we will be held accountable when Jesus returns.
Reflection: What does your view and management of your wealth and possessions reveal about your attitude towards God? If Jesus were to “settle accounts” today, which area of stewardship in your life would need adjustment?
Sermon Series： Are you a wealth creator?
