Becoming a Faithful Servant: Living Ready for the Master’s Return
Many believers deeply desire to be faithful stewards of what God has given them but struggle with knowing what that actually looks like in daily life. The call to faithfulness in Luke 12:35-48 is clear: stay ready for Christ’s return, steward what has been entrusted to you, and serve with an undistracted heart. But how does this translate into practical steps? How do you shift from simply wanting to be a faithful servant to actually living as one?
The good news is that faithfulness is not about striving or working harder in your own strength—it’s about abiding in Christ and responding to what He has already provided.
Understanding Faithful Stewardship
Jesus paints the picture of two servants: one who remains ready, diligently managing what the master has entrusted to him, and another who wastes time, indulging in self-interest. The key difference is expectation—the faithful servant lives in anticipation of his master’s return, while the other assumes there is plenty of time to live for himself.
Faithfulness, then, begins with perspective. It’s about recognizing that:
Everything we have—our time, abilities, relationships, and resources—has been entrusted to us by God.
Every moment is an opportunity to serve Him, whether in small, unseen ways or in larger, more visible acts.
Christ’s return is certain, and we are called to live in readiness, not fear, but joyful anticipation.
How to Become a Faithful Servant
If you desire to be the faithful servant Jesus describes, here are some practical steps:
1. Start with What’s in Front of You
Many people wait for a dramatic calling before stepping into faithfulness. But stewardship begins with what is already in your hands. Are you managing your current responsibilities well? Are you serving those in your life—your family, friends, coworkers—as unto the Lord?
Instead of waiting for something greater, be diligent in what God has already placed before you. Faithfulness in small things prepares you for greater things.
2. Cultivate a Daily Mindset of Readiness
Jesus said, “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35). This speaks to a life that is awake, aware, and engaged. Practically, this means:
Spending time in Scripture, allowing God’s truth to shape your priorities.
Yielding to the Holy Spirit moment by moment, trusting Him to guide your steps.
Being quick to obey when prompted to encourage, serve, or give.
Viewing each day as an opportunity to live for eternity rather than getting lost in temporary distractions.
Readiness is not about frantic activity—it’s about abiding in Christ, staying in step with Him, and allowing Him to direct your steps.
3. Surrender Ownership of Your Life to God
A faithful steward does not act as if the household belongs to him—he manages it on behalf of the true owner. The same is true for us. Faithfulness grows as we learn to release control of our time, ambitions, and plans, entrusting them fully to God.
A simple way to live this out daily is by praying:
“Lord, all I have is Yours. I trust You to lead me today. Use me as You desire.”
This posture of surrender allows you to live freely, not anxiously trying to control outcomes, but resting in the assurance that God is guiding your steps.
4. Serve with a Heart of Love, Not Obligation
Faithful stewardship is not about checking religious boxes or striving to impress God. It’s about responding to His love and letting that love overflow to others.
Look for small ways to serve—whether it’s offering encouragement, meeting a practical need, or simply listening. When you see your life as an extension of Christ’s love, faithfulness flows naturally.
5. Keep Your Focus on Christ, Not Performance
It’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring faithfulness by outward success, but Jesus calls us to faithfulness, not results. The question is not “How much did I accomplish?” but “Did I remain yielded to Christ today?”
The faithful servant is not the one who tries the hardest but the one who walks in step with the Master.
A Real-Life Example: George Müller
George Müller, a man known for his faith and stewardship, didn’t start with grand plans. He simply chose to trust God with what he had. Over time, as he remained faithful in small things, God led him to establish orphanages that cared for thousands of children—without ever asking for funds. His life was not marked by self-effort but by a quiet trust in God’s provision and a willingness to act in obedience.
Müller’s story is a reminder that faithfulness is not about what we can achieve, but about trusting God with what we have and responding to His leading.
A Prayer of Confidence and Readiness
Father, You have entrusted me with all that I have—my time, my abilities, my relationships, and the truth of Your kingdom. I stand ready, not in fear but in joyful anticipation of Your return. May I be found faithful in the daily opportunities before me. Thank You for leading me step by step, and for the privilege of stewarding what belongs to You. I rejoice in Your calling and trust in Your perfect plan. Amen.
Final Thought
Faithfulness is not a complicated formula—it is a daily, moment-by-moment yielding to the Lord. As you walk in step with Him, trust that He is working in and through you. The Master’s return is certain, and His reward for those who remain faithful is far greater than anything this world offers.