Faithful Stewards: Using God’s Blessings for His Glory
As we step into 2025, we’re reminded of the importance of being faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us. Whether big or small, every act of faithfulness matters. The theme for this year, Faithful Stewards: Using God’s Blessings for His Glory, calls us to reflect on how we manage the gifts God has given us, using them not only for our benefit but to honor Him and bless others.
What Does it Mean to Be a Faithful Steward?
The Apostle Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians 4:2: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”As believers, we are all stewards—entrusted with time, talents, resources, relationships, and more. God calls us to be faithful in every area of life, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.
Faithfulness is not about the size or scale of our actions, but about our heart and our willingness to be obedient. Jesus Himself said, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” (Luke 16:10). The little things matter. The small acts of service, the quiet prayers, the generous giving—these are the moments where God is watching, and where He builds faithfulness in us.
Faithfulness in Small Things
It’s easy to overlook the small things. But consider the story of the widow’s offering in Mark 12:43-44. Though her gift was tiny—just two small coins—Jesus commended her because she gave from a place of faith and sacrifice. In God’s eyes, it wasn’t about the amount, but about the heart behind the gift.
Similarly, the young boy with the small lunch of five barley loaves and two fishes had no idea how his offering would be used to feed thousands. But Jesus took what seemed small and insignificant and turned it into something miraculous. When we are faithful with what we have, God multiplies it for His glory.
Faithfulness Reflecting God’s Character
Faithfulness is a reflection of God’s nature. We serve a God who is unchanging, reliable, and trustworthy. And when we remain faithful, we mirror that same character to the world. The story of Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi (Ruth 1:16) shows us that faithfulness in relationships honors God and impacts others. Likewise, Joseph’s integrity in Egypt (Genesis 39:23) is a testimony of how faithfulness, even in trials, reflects God’s trustworthiness.
One of the most powerful examples of faithfulness in our history is the life of Corey Ten Boom. During World War II, Corey and her family faithfully risked their lives to protect Jewish refugees, embodying God’s love and protection in the face of danger. Despite the smallness of her role in hiding these individuals, her faithfulness made an eternal impact, just as it does for us when we choose faithfulness in our daily lives.
Building Trust Through Faithfulness
In Proverbs 3:5-6, we’re reminded to trust in the Lord with all our heart, leaning not on our own understanding, but acknowledging Him in all our ways. When we are faithful in the little things, God builds trust with us and gives us greater opportunities to serve Him.
The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:21) teaches that when we prove ourselves faithful with what God has given us, He entrusts us with more. Daniel’s unwavering faithfulness in Babylon (Daniel 6:4) is another example of how God rewards those who remain faithful, even when it’s difficult. In both stories, the reward wasn’t just in the here and now; it was about being positioned for God’s greater purposes.
God’s Eternal Rewards for Faithfulness
Faithfulness has eternal significance. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, reflects on his life’s work and anticipates the crown of righteousness that awaits him for his faithfulness. The reward for faithfulness is not always immediate, but it is always eternal.
The story of Hudson Taylor, the missionary to China, is a prime example of this. Taylor’s work in China began with small, humble beginnings—his mission facing difficulties such as loneliness and limited resources. But his unwavering faithfulness to God’s calling led to the establishment of the China Inland Mission, which impacted millions. God rewarded Taylor’s faithfulness, not just in his lifetime but in the eternal fruit of his labor.
God’s rewards are beyond our imagination, and we are invited to live our lives with eternity in mind. Whether in our careers, relationships, or service to others, faithfulness has a lasting impact in God’s kingdom.
Living as Faithful Stewards in 2025
As we look forward to the year ahead, let’s evaluate our own lives. Are we faithful in the small things? Do our actions reflect God’s faithfulness? Are we building trust with God and others? It’s in the small moments that God is shaping us for greater things. Whether it’s the quiet prayers we offer, the small acts of service we perform, or the resources we steward, every moment counts.
Being a faithful steward isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about being faithful where God has placed us. Just as the janitor at NASA said, “I’m helping put a man on the moon,” we are all part of a bigger mission. Our faithfulness, no matter how small it seems, is part of God's greater plan.
Let’s commit to being faithful stewards in 2025 and beyond, knowing that every act of faithfulness builds God’s kingdom and brings eternal rewards.
Reflection Questions:
What small opportunities has God given you to be faithful in?
How can your faithfulness reflect the character of God in your relationships and work?
Are you living with eternity in mind, knowing that God rewards faithfulness?
Let’s step forward in 2025 with hearts full of faithfulness, trusting that God will use us, no matter how small our efforts may seem. Let’s be faithful stewards of all He has given us.
Closing Prayer:
Father, we thank You for the opportunity to serve You in every area of our lives. Help us to be faithful in the small things, knowing that our faithfulness reflects Your character and builds trust with You and others. May we live with eternity in mind, always seeking to honor You in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.