Faithful Stewardship: Living Ready for the Master’s Return
Jesus’ parable in Luke 12:35-48 presents a striking contrast between two types of servants: one who remains vigilant and prepared for his master’s return and another who grows careless, assuming his master’s delay gives him time to indulge in selfish living. The message is clear—those entrusted with much will be held accountable for how they handle what they have been given. Faithful stewardship means living with a mindset of readiness, not out of fear, but out of joyful expectation and responsibility.
Faithful vs. Unfaithful Stewardship
Jesus describes a servant who is always ready for his master’s return, keeping his lamp burning and his heart set on service. This servant is blessed because his master finds him doing what was entrusted to him. In contrast, the unfaithful servant takes advantage of his master’s absence, mistreating others and living recklessly. When the master returns unexpectedly, the careless servant faces severe consequences.
The warning is sobering: “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required” (Luke 12:48). This isn’t just about money or material resources—it applies to everything we have been given: time, relationships, opportunities, and, most importantly, the knowledge of the truth.
A Real-Life Example: William Wilberforce
One of history’s clearest examples of faithful stewardship is William Wilberforce, the British politician who dedicated his life to the abolition of the slave trade. Born into wealth and privilege, Wilberforce could have spent his life in comfort and personal gain. But after encountering the gospel, he realized that everything he had—his influence, his education, his position in Parliament—was entrusted to him by God for a purpose greater than himself.
Instead of wasting his time or using his power for self-indulgence, Wilberforce embraced the burden of fighting against one of the greatest injustices of his time. He endured fierce opposition, personal illness, and repeated setbacks, yet he remained steadfast, laboring for decades until the Slave Trade Act was passed in 1807 and full emancipation was achieved in 1833—just days before his death.
Wilberforce exemplified the wise and faithful servant Jesus described. He did not assume that his life belonged to him; he recognized it as a trust from God. And when his Master called him home, he was found faithful.
Living as a Faithful Steward
How does this apply to us today?
Recognize what God has entrusted to you – Your time, talents, relationships, and even challenges are opportunities for faithful stewardship.
Stay ready for Christ’s return – Living in expectation means making decisions that reflect eternal priorities rather than fleeting ones.
Serve with humility and diligence – Stewardship is not about personal recognition but about being faithful in what God has placed in our hands.
Invest in what matters most – People, the gospel, and acts of love outlast worldly achievements. Living with eternity in view leads to choices that honor Christ.
A Prayer of Trust and Readiness
Father, You have entrusted us with all that we have—our time, abilities, relationships, and the truth of Your kingdom. We stand ready, not in fear but in joyful anticipation of Your return. May we be found faithful, investing what You have given us wisely, loving others well, and living with eternity in mind. Thank You for the privilege of serving You. We rejoice in Your calling and trust in Your perfect plan. Amen.
Final Thought
Faithful stewardship is not about striving but about responding to the reality that all we have belongs to God. Like Wilberforce, may we recognize that our lives are not our own and live in such a way that, when our Master returns, He finds us joyfully serving, ready and willing to say, “Lord, I have used all You entrusted to me for Your glory.”