The Stewardship Principle: Use It or Lose It
Matthew 25:27-29 (NIV)
“Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”
Have you ever felt like someone else is always getting ahead while you’re stuck in the same place? It can be frustrating to watch others flourish while you struggle. But in Matthew 25:27-29, Jesus offers a principle that challenges us to examine how we steward what we’ve been given.
This passage is part of the Parable of the Talents—a story about a master who entrusts his servants with different amounts of money before going on a journey. Two servants invest what they’ve been given and double it. But one buries his share in the ground, returning it untouched. The master calls this servant “wicked and lazy” and takes the bag of gold from him, giving it to the one who already has ten bags.
Here’s the message: God expects us to multiply what we have—not hide it.
You may not have much, but if you do nothing with what you have, you risk losing it. On the other hand, when you’re faithful with little, God can trust you with more. This applies to everything—your time, talents, money, influence, and even your spiritual gifts.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Faithfulness brings increase.
God is looking for people who are diligent and faithful with what they’ve been given. When you invest your gifts into God’s purpose, He brings the growth. - There’s no reward in fear or laziness.
The servant who buried his talent did so out of fear. But fear is never an excuse to do nothing. God would rather see you try and fail than never try at all. - Use it or lose it.
Jesus’ words are clear: “Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” In other words, unused potential deteriorates. But when you use what you’ve got—even a little—God multiplies it.
God has deposited something valuable in your life. Whether it’s an idea, a dream, a gift, or a resource—it’s not meant to sit idle. It’s meant to grow. Don’t compare your portion with someone else’s. Instead, ask: What am I doing with what I have?
Let this be your season to take action, step out in faith, and trust that as you move, God will multiply.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be faithful with what You’ve placed in my hands. I refuse to bury my gifts. Teach me how to invest my time, energy, and resources into the things that matter to You. Multiply my efforts for Your glory. Amen.
