It’s hard to be loyal, faithful and accountable to those we perceive lack integrity or have questionable motives; or to those who have been unfaithful to us– even abused or manipulated us. We encounter this in the workplace and in social environments. It’s a difficult place to be. Solomon, therefore, addressed the issue: “who can find a faithful man? The righteous man walks in his integrity.” He also said “a faithful man will abound with blessings” (Proverbs 28:20).
RELEVANCE
Jesus shared two relevant parables: The Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 and The Unjust Steward in Luke 16:1-13. Both deal with the issue of responding in unjust situations. (Proverbs 20:6-7) From these parables we can glean much insight and gain a lot of wisdom:
- maintain integrity, making the best of what we have before us, turning it to a good
- act wisely, being diligent, faithful, responsible and accountable
- we are but stewards of grace, faithful to God, to do for his honor and glory
- be cautious not to forfeit grace, honoring God as the ultimate judge
- trusting in material/worldly things for satisfaction and happiness leads to deception and disappointment
Paul summed up the issue with this exhortation:
“Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.”
REFLECT AND RELATE
Take the time to read and meditate on the parables and referenced scriptures; then take your issue to God in earnest prayer. Keep in mind there are two perspectives to consider: the earthly and the heavenly—which is eternal.
REFERENCES
Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 16:1-13; Ecclesiastes 9:10-12