"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"  (Matthew 25:21).

Last night I got a call from Ray, a friend who lives about 100 miles away. He and his wife Vicky are celebrating their 35th anniversary today. This weekend they're planning a trip to Lancaster County so they can go to our local dinner theater and they're also fitting us into their plans so we can visit.

I invited them to stay over for church on Sunday but they declined since they need to get back for a missions service in their own church in which Vicky has a role. Initially I suggested that they try to get out of it and then it struck me that this is the very type of commitment and responsibility that I value so highly and try to model myself!

This wonderful commendation in our daily Scripture text is part of a parable Jesus told late in His earthly ministry. "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things."  This servant had used the talents that were given to him wisely and responsibly.

I believe responsibility is a character trait that is often under-rated in our modern world.  Actually I would have to say in my observation that irresponsibility is increasingly becoming far more common.

We express our faithfulness to God in a number of ways:

• Steadfastness is faithfulness expressed over the long haul.
• Loyalty is faithfulness expressed in our enduring relationships.
• Responsibility is faithfulness expressed in the daily management of life.

All three are means in which we honor God as we follow His biblical instruction in these areas.  All three characteristics are demonstrated by God Himself and are part of the attribute we call His faithfulness.

We practice these responsibilities in a number of different ways:  when we nurture our relationships; when we handle our finances with care and integrity; when we properly care for our belongings; and when we practice healthful living as stewards of the body that God has given us. 

These matters may not be very "spiritual" sounding but I believe they are important ways we glorify God.  Through my years in ministry I've met quite a number of people who appear to have it altogether in personality, appearance, or giftings, but have made a fiasco of their relationships or finances. Or they've ignored repeated warnings about other important matters in their lives.

As we begin the first work week of another New Year let me urge you to closely examine your life as a follower of Christ.  Are you living in responsible obedience to God on a day by day basis?  May God help us this New Year to live our lives responsibly!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Daily Prayer: Father, we pray that You will empower us to live responsible lives so that we can be living examples of what it means to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.  Help us to resist temptations that weaken our resolve to live holy lives by memorizing and quoting Scripture that speaks to that sinful behavior, even while we're being tempted.  We desire to bring joy to Your heart as we live responsibly and cast off that which hinders our spiritual growth.  We want to seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness so that we will be kingdom servants pursuing righteous living.  In the name of Your Son, Jesus, we pray.  Amen.

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The photo posted in Friday's encouragement message of Stephen's sister and family was taken on the London Eye.

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