Well done, good and faithful servant

Serving as a chaplain, I recently was with a family mourning the loss of their patriarch—a gentleman whose life exemplified hard work and quiet devotion. The family shared his journey: immigrating to America, working in New York City, commuting for many years without a car, and finally retiring in Georgia after a lifetime of labor. Because he was a believer, I trust he has now heard the ultimate commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). 

Meditating on those words, I ask myself: “Have I been 'good' and ‘faithful' in my stewardship?" While the Lord is always stretching my faith, I am humbled by all that He is accomplishing through Great Adventure Missions. This year, we have been able to provide scholarships to the children of ministers in colleges and seminaries here in the US and abroad.

The biblical concepts behind the phrase "good and faithful" offer profound instruction. The Greek word for “good” (agathos) literally means profitable, generous, upright, and virtuous. It is tied to financial stewardship and our ability to demonstrate generosity. The word for “faithful” (pistos) means trustworthy, credible, and a true-hearted manager. In this context, Jesus is instructing us to be profitable so we can, in turn, be generous. When we are faithful in little, the Lord entrusts us with more, thereby increasing our ability to do more kingdom work (v. 21). 

Eternal life is a gift we receive by grace through faith in Christ alone (Eph. 2:8-9), yet we were created “for good works” (v.10). Eternal rewards are connected to what we do with what we’ve been given. Generosity is at the heart of what truly matters in financial stewardship.  

When we are faithful in little, the Lord entrusts us with more, thereby increasing our ability to do more kingdom work (v. 21). 

Indigenous missionaries around the globe who train pastors, hold crusades, and plant churches have approached us about their need for Bibles and ministry support. The requests exceed anything we can currently meet. We know if it is God’s will, He will supply. In light of the new tax laws, it may be the right time for some to make larger-than-normal donations of cash, land, planes, or cars.

Would you prayerfully consider making a generous year-end gift to help make the most of the resources God has entrusted to us? “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen” (Eph. 3:20-21).

In Christ,

Derrick Poston

North American Mission Board

Great Adventure Missions

678-665-8164