The Joy of Faithful Stewardship
Well done, good and faithful servant
I recently spoke at an event in Florida on Matthew 25 and the joy of serving. I thought this week I would share that message with you as you serve and follow Jesus. What comes to mind when you think of joy? For many, joy is tied to personal success, fulfilling relationships, or life’s big moments. But in Matthew 25, Jesus offers us a profound perspective: true joy is found in faithfully stewarding what God has entrusted to us and in loving “the least of these.”
The Call to Stewardship
In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus tells the story of a master who entrusts his servants with varying amounts of wealth before going on a journey. Two servants invest their talents wisely and hear these words upon the master’s return: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21, ESV).
But the third servant buries his talent, paralyzed by fear. He misses the opportunity to bring joy to his master and forfeits his own share in that joy.
This parable challenges us to consider how we are stewarding our time, talents, and treasures. Are we using what God has given us to serve His Kingdom? Are we investing in people, extending grace, and meeting the needs around us? Faithful stewardship isn’t just about doing things well—it’s about doing them for God’s glory.
Serving Freely and Faithfully
True stewardship requires serving with open hands and zeal for the work of the Lord. It’s easy to let cynicism creep in or to get bogged down by the daily grind of ministry. But we must remember why we began this work in the first place: to glorify God and love His people.
And let’s not forget where this work begins. Faithful stewardship isn’t confined to ministry roles or public platforms. It must start at home. If our families grow to resent the God we serve because our focus is elsewhere, we’ve missed the mark. Let’s strive to honor God by being faithful stewards in every area of our lives, starting with our families.
Loving the Least of These
Jesus’ teaching doesn’t stop with stewardship. In the second half of Matthew 25, He shifts the focus to compassion. The parable of the sheep and goats reminds us that loving “the least of these” is an essential part of our calling. Jesus identifies Himself with the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned, saying, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
This is where stewardship meets practical ministry. It’s not about holding a press conference or taking a selfie to showcase our service. It’s about quiet faithfulness—feeding a hungry child, welcoming a stranger, or offering counsel to someone in need. These acts may seem small, but they echo into eternity. And the God of the universe sees every single one.
Finding Joy in Faithful Service
The joy Jesus describes in Matthew 25 is not tied to worldly success. It’s the joy of knowing we are fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. When we pour ourselves out for others, when we serve without expectation of recognition, we share in the Master’s happiness.
This joy doesn’t come without sacrifice. Ministry can be exhausting, and the results aren’t always visible. But take heart: Jesus sees every act of faithfulness. He celebrates each step of obedience. And one day, He will invite us to share in His happiness.
A Challenge for Us All
What will you do with what God has entrusted to you? How will you steward your gifts for His glory and the good of others? Let’s be a people who serve freely, love deeply, and invest faithfully—trusting that every act of obedience is part of a story far greater than our own.
As you reflect on your calling, remember this: The least of these are at the very heart of God’s mission. When you serve them, you serve Him. And when you serve Him, you find true joy.
Let’s go forth with confidence, knowing that the Master sees and celebrates our faithfulness. Let’s run our race with perseverance, pouring out our lives for the sake of the Kingdom. And let’s do it all with joy, knowing that one day, we will hear these words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”