My approach to 'more' has changed over the years. In the beginning, I used to feel guilty of wanting more, until I realized that as humans, we're wired to want more. It's been ingrained in us to multiply, reproduce and increase, grow from strength to strength, shining brighter and brighter (Ps 84:7, Proverb 4:18)
Of late, I've come to realize that 'more' comes at a price. There are terms and conditions attached to accessing the level of more.
Good stewardship is the key that unlocks more.
In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30 , Luke 19:11-27), we see that the servants who put their talents to work and brought in a return on investment received praise and authority over territories.
As a steward, you MUST be faithful. In 1 Corinthians 4:2 , the Bible lets us know that a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful.
The 2 servants were praised as good and faithful. A 'good' servant is one who is useful, excellent, distinguished, upright and honorable. The faithful servant is trusty and can be relied on, showing himself faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands or the discharge of official duties. It's noteworthy that faithfulness is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22) , which proves we're consistent, reliable and trustworthy.
The little is the training ground for more. King David started out as a shepherd, guarding his father's flock. This is what gave him the training he needed to shepherd the Israelites, God's flock.
If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities (Luke 16:10 NLT)
You're clamoring for a bigger platform, but how are you showing up for the few followers you currently have?
You want more influence, but how are you influencing your friends and family?
You're claiming the millions, but how are you doing with the hundreds that you have?
You desire a mansion, but does your apartment reflect that you can manage?
Excellence is a hallmark of stewardship: In Daniel 6:3, Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excllent spirit was in him and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Daniel was faithful and excellent in his assignments, so much so that he worked through 3 governments and was the envy of his colleagues.
Colossians 3:23- 24 tells us that in whatever we do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since we know we will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Can you be trusted though?
Man was given dominion over the earth and created to rule over God's creation (Genesis 2:8, 15) . Adam's original job description was to dress and keep- guard, observe, keep watch, protect, attend to - the Garden of Eden.
Now as believers, we're in a unique position because we are sons and co-heirs with access to everything that belongs to God through Christ, but we're also the ones who are stewards and managers of our Father's possessions. (Galatians 3:29 )
And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? (Luke 16:11 NLT)
The reward for excellent stewardship is more.
God is carefully watching to see how you handle everything He has entrusted to your care.
And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your eown? (Luke 16:12 NLT)
Your stewardship in this season will impact how much more God can release to you in the next season. It is my prayer that it will be said of each of us'well done, good and faithful servant.'