God has entrusted each of us with unique gifts, opportunities, and resources—our “mina”—and calls us to use them for His purposes, even if they seem small or insignificant. When we are faithful with what seems like a little, God sees and values our service, promising that even the smallest act done for Him will not go unrewarded. The true measure of our work is not its size or visibility, but our faithfulness and willingness to serve with what we have, trusting that God multiplies our efforts for His glory. [54:51]
Luke 19:16-17 (ESV)
"The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’"
Reflection: What is one “small” way you can serve someone today—perhaps unnoticed by others—that you can offer to God with faithfulness and joy?
Many people feel stuck or unqualified to serve God, either because they fear making mistakes, feel their gifts are unimportant, or compare themselves to others who seem more talented. But God does not call us to serve out of fear or to measure ourselves against others; He simply asks for our willingness and obedience. When we step out, even in weakness or uncertainty, God uses us in ways we never imagined, and our service—no matter how small—matters deeply in His kingdom. [58:42]
Matthew 25:24-25 (ESV)
"He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’"
Reflection: Where have you been holding back from serving because of fear or comparison, and what is one step you can take today to move forward in faith?
As believers, we often wait for a clear sign or specific instructions before serving, but God has already given us His Word, His Spirit, and a calling to engage in His work. The “light is green” for us to step out and serve, trusting that God will guide and redirect us as needed. Rather than waiting in fear of making a mistake, we are invited to move forward, using what we know and have, and to trust God to close doors or redirect us if necessary. [46:03]
Acts 16:6-7 (ESV)
"And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them."
Reflection: What is one area where you’ve been waiting for a “green light” from God, and how can you take a step of faith today, trusting Him to guide you as you go?
God has designed us to serve not in isolation, but as members of one body, each with different gifts and roles, all working together for the good of the whole and the glory of Christ. There is no place for comparison or competition; instead, we are called to encourage, support, and rejoice with one another, knowing that every act of service—no matter how different—contributes to the building up of God’s kingdom. [01:05:49]
Romans 12:4-5 (ESV)
"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."
Reflection: Who in your church family can you encourage or support today in their service, and how can you celebrate the unique gifts God has given them?
The motivation behind our service matters deeply to God. Serving out of duty, for recognition, or to please others leads to emptiness, but serving out of love for Jesus and a desire to glorify Him brings true joy and eternal reward. When we offer our gifts and efforts to God, no matter how small or unseen, He is honored, and we are freed from the need for approval or comparison, living instead for the “well done” of our Master. [55:43]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: Examine your heart—what motivates your acts of service, and how can you intentionally offer your work to God alone today, seeking His glory above all?
Work is a gift from God, woven into our very design. There’s a deep satisfaction in using our hands, our minds, and our energy to create, build, and serve. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we must remember that our work is not just about what we accomplish in this world, but about how we engage in the work of God’s kingdom. It’s easy to hide behind busyness, pouring ourselves into projects, jobs, and even good deeds, while neglecting the spiritual work God calls us to—serving, loving, and building up His people.
Jesus’ parable in Luke 19 reminds us that after salvation, we are entrusted with gifts, opportunities, and resources. Each of us receives a “mina”—not the same as the world’s talents or wealth, but unique spiritual gifts and opportunities to serve. The nobleman in the story (representing Jesus) doesn’t give detailed instructions; instead, he simply says, “Do business until I come.” This lack of specifics can leave us feeling stuck, unsure of what to do next. But the call is clear: engage with what God has already given and revealed. The light is green until God turns it red. We are free to move, to serve, to try, and to risk, trusting that God will guide and redirect as needed.
Fear, comparison, and a victim mentality can paralyze us. We may feel unqualified, insignificant, or afraid of losing what we have. Sometimes, we even blame God or others for our lack of action. But God calls us to faithfulness, not perfection. Even the smallest act—like offering a cup of water—matters in His kingdom. Our motivation must be love for Jesus, not duty, recognition, or fear. When we serve with gladness, God multiplies our efforts and rewards us, not just individually, but as a body. We are not alone; we are members of one another, called to encourage, support, and rejoice together.
God is not limited by our abilities or our understanding of our gifts. He delights in using what we offer, however small, and He often does more through us than we could imagine. The work we do for His glory—whether seen or unseen—has eternal significance. So let’s move forward, using what we have, serving with joy, and trusting that God will bring the increase.
Luke 19:11-27 (ESV) – The Parable of the Ten Minas —
> 11 As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 12 He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. 13 Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ 14 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ 15 When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. 16 The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ 17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ 18 And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ 19 And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ 20 Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; 21 for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ 24 And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ 25 And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ 26 ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 27 But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’”
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