BE FAITHFUL WITH HIS INVESTMENT

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain…” (John 15:16, KJV).

When God grants you an opportunity for service, whether great or small, it is imperative to recognize the privilege and make the most of it. Our God is not a wasteful investor; He does not pour His resources into barren ground. He expects results, just as any prudent investor would. Imagine a businessman who continuously pours funds into a failing venture—eventually, wisdom would dictate that he redirects his resources elsewhere. How much more would the Almighty God, who is infinitely wise, expect a return on His investment in us?

Each believer is an investment of God. He has endowed us with unique talents, gifts, blessings, and opportunities. Our responsibility is to ensure that these divine deposits yield abundant fruits for His glory. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2: “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” This scripture underscores the necessity of faithfulness in managing God’s investment in our lives. Are you a faithful steward?

In John 15:2, Jesus declared, “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” This passage reveals a sobering truth: unfruitfulness results in removal. A branch that fails to bear fruit is cut off and discarded, whereas a fruitful branch is pruned so it may produce even more. The divine principle is clear—God does not waste His resources. He expects productivity from those whom He has called and chosen.

God’s expectation of fruitfulness is not merely a suggestion; it is a divine ordinance. As Jesus affirmed in John 15:16, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain…” This statement signifies a holy mandate. We are not randomly selected but divinely appointed to be fruitful. God has predestined us to live productive lives, making meaningful contributions to His Kingdom and impacting the world around us.

Understanding God’s Investment in Us

God’s investment in us comes in various forms:

  1. The Gift of Salvation: The greatest investment God has made in us is salvation through Jesus Christ. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This is the foundation of all other investments. Our faith must not be passive; we are called to share the gospel and bear fruit by bringing others to Christ.
  2. The Holy Spirit: God has entrusted us with the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 declares, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” The power we receive through the Holy Spirit is meant for active service, not dormancy.
  3. Talents and Abilities: Every person has been uniquely gifted by God. Romans 12:6 states, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith.” These gifts are meant to be used for the edification of the Church and the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
  4. Material Resources: Wealth and possessions are also part of God’s investment in our lives. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us, “But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Our financial blessings should be used to support God’s work and help those in need.
  5. Opportunities and Open Doors: God strategically places opportunities before us. Ephesians 5:16 urges us to, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Every opportunity to serve God must be seized with diligence.

The Consequences of Unfaithfulness

Neglecting God’s investment has dire consequences. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates this principle vividly. The servant who hid his talent out of fear and laziness was condemned as “wicked and slothful.” His talent was taken away and given to another who was productive. This parable reinforces the truth that God expects a return on His investment.

Similarly, Revelation 3:16 warns, “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” Spiritual complacency is unacceptable. God seeks fervent, committed, and faithful servants.

The Rewards of Faithfulness

Faithfulness brings divine rewards. Paul’s testimony in 1 Timothy 1:12 is inspiring: “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” God rewards faithfulness with greater responsibility, promotion, and divine enablement.

Other rewards include:

  • Increased Capacity: Faithfulness leads to greater opportunities. “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things” (Matthew 25:21).
  • Divine Provision: God sustains those who diligently serve Him. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
  • Eternal Rewards: Our faithfulness on earth secures eternal rewards in heaven. “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

How to Be a Faithful Steward

  1. Abide in Christ: “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). Staying connected to Jesus is key to fruitfulness.
  2. Cultivate a Heart of Service: Serve God and others with humility and diligence (Mark 10:45).
  3. Be Accountable: Recognize that you will give an account of your stewardship before God (Romans 14:12).
  4. Be Diligent and Consistent: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11).
  5. Pray for Divine Guidance: Seek God’s direction on how best to utilize His investment in your life (James 1:5).

Conclusion

God has invested richly in us, and He expects us to bear fruit that remains. Faithfulness in stewardship is not optional—it is required. As we diligently utilize our God-given resources, talents, and opportunities for His glory, He will continue to entrust us with more. Let us remain faithful, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). May we always be found faithful stewards, worthy of the Master’s commendation: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23). Amen.

Will you be a faithful steward? Remember: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Let us labor diligently, knowing that our faithfulness today determines our eternal reward. Be faithful with His investment!