Friday March 16
Further Thought: Every natural ability, skill, or gift comes from God, whether we were genetically born with it, influenced and educated by our environment, or both. The important part of the equation is what we do with the abilities and skills we have. God expects stewards to learn to be masters of their skills and abilities through education and practical experience (Eccles. 10:10).
Bezalel was filled “with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship” (Exod. 35:31, NKJV). He and Aholiab (Exod. 35:34) had the ability to teach others their craft.
It is true they learned things, and developed character. So did Lucifer. But, when Lucifer turned from God, it made no difference what he learned. Separated from Christ, he was evil. So it is with us today. If we are not vitally connected with Christ daily, we cannot do what is right for the right reason.
We can learn to be better stewards and specifically to eliminate debt while living in a materialistic world. We should always be developing our skills through reading, seminars, formal education, (whenever possible), and ultimately practice what we have learned. Growing our skills enables us to give our best to God and to be good stewards.
Jesus grew. He learned obedience through what He suffered, so will we. It is the heart God wants, and it is character that He is developing in all who will come unto Jesus. The rest will fall into line when we love Jesus supremely.
The parable of the talents indicates that each servant received talents “according to his own ability” (Matt. 25:15, NKJV). Two servants doubled their amounts; the third hid his in the ground. We should always strive to improve what we have, but burying the talent did not show any ability or skill. Managing money, getting out of debt, cultivating discipline, and practical experience develop competencies that are blessed by God. To become successful and good at something, we must repeat it again and again.
Amen. When we continually repeat something, it becomes a habit, and habits form character. If we will repeatedly spend time each day beholding Jesus, all else will fall into order. The character will be a reflection of Christ, and we will turn to Him continually for wisdom and grace.
“As the lessons of the Bible are wrought into the daily life, they have a deep and lasting influence upon the character. These lessons Timothy learned and practiced. He had no specially brilliant talents, but his work was valuable because he used his God-given abilities in the Master’s service.” - Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 205.
Discussion Questions:
Though self-control is always important for the Christian, it is especially important when a lack of self-control can lead to financial hardship or even ruin. What can we as a church do to help those who could be in danger of this problem?
The answer is always the same, we point them to Jesus. Why? Because when they yield self to Christ, the Holy Spirit takes possession of the heart and brings with Him every one of the fruits of the Spirit. One of them is temperance.
Read Romans 13:7, 8.
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
How can we apply these words to our daily lives and in all our interactions with others?
The answer is always the same. We need to love Jesus with the whole heart. Then we shall love others, even our enemies. We will be content in all situations, for is God be for us, who can be against us!
Some argue that we shouldn’t worry about getting in debt, because Jesus is coming back soon. How would you respond to that assertion?
I would not. Why argue with someone who has such an attitude? Point them to Jesus and what we must do in order to be ready for His soon coming.