Multiplying God's Gifts
Luke 6:30-38
God has trusted you with an allotment of finances, and expects you to steward it wisely.
The early 1900s saw much growth and prosperity in America. The "Roaring Twenties" as they were named, introduced Americans to a life of comfort, pleasure, and ease that had not previously been known. Shortly before the '20s though, James Kraft introduced Americans to a new product-pasteurized cheese. Kraft and his brothers founded Kraft Foods Incorporated that patented a new process of creating cheese which resisted spoiling, allowing for it to be shipped long distances. The business was such a success that Kraft Foods even expanded into Canada, James' home country. Kraft Foods saw their biggest success when the government began purchasing cans of cheese for soldiers overseas.
Throughout his lifetime James Kraft built an empire of a company that is still a giant in the dairy industry today. Yet James realized that money and success weren't the sole goals of life. Throughout his life, he was a faithful member of a local Baptist church, and was also a strong proponent of Christian education for young people. He also gave roughly twenty-five percent of his corporate profit to God's work. As he saw it, only the money given to God would last eternally, "The only investment I ever made which has paid consistently increasing dividends is the money I have given to the Lord."
James Kraft was given much in the way of finances, yet was still faithful with what he was given. Most of us will never have as much as James did, yet we can all still be just as faithful with what we are given. Here are four ways we can multiply God's gifts to us.
Work diligently. No matter what kind of job you have, God desires for you to work diligently. Some would lament a work situation or wonder why God has not blessed them as they desire, but you need to trust that God has you exactly where He wants you and desires that you would work diligently where you are.
Steward effectively. In these difficult economic times, many people are cutting back and carefully budgeting their money. As Christians, we should always be conscious of the money God has given us, and determine to use it in the best way possible. While it would be prudent to cut back in some areas, remember that God's work should always take priority in financial stewardship.
Invest wisely. Proverbs 11:16 says, "A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches." There is some wisdom in using finances to invest in the future through certain stocks, bonds, or financial accounts. If God has blessed you so, make sure you use wisdom when investing.
Give generously. Jesus tells us in Luke 6 to give generously to those who need help-our neighbors, family members, or fellow Christians. Helping others through giving often reaps unexpected benefits. Not only that, but God desires for us to continue giving generously to His church, even in tight financial times. Luke 6:38 points out, "...For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." As much as you give to others, so shall it be given back to you.
God has trusted you with an allotment of finances. Just as the lord trusted his servants with a certain number of talents in Matthew 25:14-29, so God expects you to multiply the talents He has given you. Consider how you can multiply what God has given you. Work diligently at the job God has given you; steward your personal finances; invest wisely if possible; and remember to always remain generous in your giving to others and to God's work. As you make a conscious effort to wisely steward what God has given you now, He will be able to bless you with more in the future.
Daily Bible Reading
1 Samuel 10-12 | Luke 9:37-62
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