Are we using our time well? by Pastor Dave

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Luke 12: 48b
 
Luke 12: 41-48
 
     In our memorial services we often pray, asking God ‘to grant us grace to use aright our time left on earth.’ This request is the essence of Jesus’ parable in today’s reading. It follows on from Monday’s focus and Scripture and is brought about by a question from Peter, is Jesus talking to them or everyone (vs. 41)? In answer Jesus tells of a manager to whom the Master has entrusted his servants while he is away (vs. 42). In the east, at the time Jesus told this parable, such a manager, a steward, had almost unlimited authority running the master’s house and administering his estate. In some sense we could therefore say that this parable applies to Church and Ministry leaders. When, however, we look at the preceding passages, the closing verse (above) and consider the parable of the talents (Matthew 25: 14-30, our topic this coming Friday); we see that there is application for all of us. Indeed we all have responsibilities in our families, communities and lives that God has given to us. We also have the secrets of God's Kingdom to share.
 
     The unwise servant makes two mistakes: he decides to do what he likes while his Master is away; and he thinks he has the time to put things right before the master returns (vs. 45-47). As God’s children we may well all fall into these mistakes from time to time keeping the sacred and secular divided and living to our own agendas and ambitions. The danger is that we let these traits become permanent and live with indifference to Christ’s return and His call to faithful service. The consequences are potentially eternal (vs. 46b).
 
     The faithful servant fulfills the master’s wishes and is found wisely engaged about the master’s business when he returns; there is reward and blessing. If we actively live in a loving relationship with the Lord Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we will grasp and understand the Lord’s vision and calling. This will inspire us to faithful action and commitment to His Community, the Church (the body of Christ). As we considered on Sunday we please God with faith, we grow to be like Christ in submission and we live in the Spirit through obedience.
 
     We have been given a great deal and entrusted with much; the secrets of God’s Kingdom and blessings of salvation. The Lord does require much in return but He equips us for all He asks. Are we using our time aright?
​
To Ponder: What occupies your time and takes you away from God’s calling on your life and relationship with Him? How might these areas be turned into faithful service in His Kingdom? What do you make of Jesus’ stark warnings in this passage?
 
Prayer: O God, the strength of all those who put their trust in you, mercifully accept our prayers and, because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without you, grant us the help of your grace, that in the keeping of your commandments we may please you both in will and deed: through Jesus Christ your Son and our Lord. Amen
 
Praise: Take up your Cross the Saviour said
Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCe5smMobsw
Live Like that
Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r1lLYKdMLU