As dads, we must be good stewards of what God has given us. No matter how large or small, we are called to be good stewards, and if we can’t be trusted with the little things, how can we be trusted with any larger things? Firstly, how are you doing with the provisions God has given you? Secondly, how are you doing with the wife God has given you? Finally, how are you doing with the kids God has given you?
Let’s take a moment to consider how we actively fulfill the calling to be the fathers He has created, purposed, and planned for us to be, for the sake of our wives, kids, and the world.
Stewards through Faithfulness in Small Matters
The Bible emphasizes the importance of being faithful in small matters as a test of our readiness to handle greater responsibilities. Luke 16:10 (NIV) states, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” This principle reminds us that our everyday actions and decisions matter. By diligently managing the little things, such as our time, resources, and relationships, we demonstrate our trustworthiness and prepare ourselves for greater blessings and responsibilities from God.
Key Takeaway:
Faithfulness in small tasks reflects our character and readiness for larger responsibilities.
Practical Application:
Start by examining how you handle daily tasks and interactions. Are you punctual, diligent, and honest in all things? Make a conscious effort to be reliable and trustworthy in even the smallest duties.
Stewards of our Family Relationships
Being a good steward of the family God has given us is a significant responsibility. Ephesians 5:25 (NIV) instructs, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Furthermore, Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) advises, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” These scriptures highlight the importance of nurturing and leading our families with love and integrity. Be the dads, who model Christ’s love to our wives and provide godly guidance to our children.
Key Takeaway:
Loving and leading our families with Christ-like love and integrity is a core aspect of stewardship.
Practical Application:
Evaluate your relationship with your wife and children. Are you showing them Christ-like love and leadership? Make intentional efforts to spend quality time with your family, pray together, and guide them in biblical truths.
Stewards of God’s Provisions
God entrusts us with various resources and expects us to manage them wisely. 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” This includes our finances, talents, and possessions. By being prudent and generous, we honor God and fulfill His purpose for our lives. Proper stewardship means avoiding wastefulness and using our resources to bless others and further God’s kingdom.
Key Takeaway:
Wisely managing God’s provisions reflects our gratitude and commitment to His purposes.
Practical Application:
Review how you use your financial resources, talents, and possessions. Are you generous and wise in your spending and giving? Create a budget, use your skills and abilities to serve others, and find ways to contribute to your community and church.
Embracing Godly Stewardship
In conclusion, the Bible teaches that faithfulness in small matters, loving and leading our families, and wisely managing God’s provisions are crucial aspects of stewardship. By applying these principles, we align ourselves with God’s purpose and demonstrate our readiness for greater responsibilities. Embracing godly stewardship allows us to honor God in all areas of our lives, reflecting His love and grace to those around us. Let us strive to be the faithful stewards God has called us to be, ensuring that our actions today pave the way for His blessings and greater plans for our future.
Today’s Devotional:
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit DavidJeremiah.org.
Topic: FAITHFUL IN THE LITTLE THINGS
Verse: Matthew 25:23
' “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ '
Today’s devotional kicks off with a quote that says:
“It will be an unspeakable comfort to look back on a life well spent. And to be able to say in humble sincerity, ‘My time was not cast away… It was spent in sincere labors for my God–in making my calling and election sure, in doing good to men’s souls and bodies, it was entirely devoted to God.'”
from Puritan Richard Baxter
Be Good Stewards
Today’s devotional then points us back to our verse and how in Matthew 25 “Jesus stresses the importance of being faithful to the work assigned to us.” Let’s be the dads who choose to live our lives in ways that we will get to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Similarly, let’s realize and remember that “it’s not the amount of our work that’s important, or its status or notoriety.” Let’s be the dads who realize that it’s all about being faithful to what God is calling us to do and demonstrating stewardship.
Stewards of everything God has called us to do and given to us
Today’s devotional reminds us and then calls us to turn to God to make sure we have our priorities straight and choose to live faithfully to Him as good stewards. “Our lives and labors call for perseverance, persistence, patience, and prayer.” Let’s be the dads who realize that when “God has assigned us daily tasks, He’ll produce an eternal harvest.” Therefore, let’s be the dads who persevere rather than give up, and pray rather than worry because we know that God’s Work is important no matter “if the work seems small, the costs are substantial, or the results are meager.” Let’s be the dads who are “faithful to the will of God–nothing more, nothing less.”
“Seeking to please God in the little matters, is a test of real devotiona and love … Let your aim be to please our Dear Lord perfectly in little things.
JEAN NICOLAS GROU
