Taking Account
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
"And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed."
Luke 16:1-3
Taking time to review your life will reveal things you never knew were there.
Have you ever realized how many professions take account of people, items, actions, projects, and inventory? Grocery stores take inventory of stock, and count the quantity of each of their items. Clothing stores can tell you if a certain piece of clothing is in stock (and more specifically, which sizes and colors are in stock!) Accountants make a living of examining numbers and keeping track of cost and expenses of a company. And many businesses have yearly performance review times when they review the performance of their employees. It seems as if good businesses take time out to review their performance and make adjustments for the future.
Not only do businesses and stores take time for inventory, but people do as well. As we approach the New Year, many people will look back on 2009 and evaluate how they "performed" in life. They'll remember mistakes, rejoice in accomplishments, and make plans for the future.
Notice in Luke 16 the story of a wise master who took time to take account of his steward's performance, "There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward." His steward had been accused of neglecting his work so the master made time to review the steward's performance.
Just as the steward had to give account to the master for his actions, so we will one day be required to give account of our lives to God. We have been entrusted with our lives and are to steward our time wisely. God desires that we would live our lives to glorify Him and make good use of the lives He's given us.
As Christians, it would be wise for us to take time to review the year of 2009. Take a few minutes to think back on what you did spiritually in 2009. Ask yourself the following questions and honestly answer them before God:
1. Am I more mature spiritually now than I was at the beginning of this year?
2. Have I been faithful in my walk with God (Bible reading, prayer, church attendance)?
3. Is there any hidden sin in my life right now?
4. Have I been a faithful witness to others this year?
5. Have I kept a pure testimony?
6. How many people are in church right now because I invited them?
7. Is there anyone I have wronged this year that I have not asked forgiveness?
8. Is there anyone with whom I am bitter/Is there someone I need to forgive?
9. Am I active in my local church?
10. Have I increased my faith by following God's will for my life?
Take some time today or tonight to take account of 2009. Consider how you lived. God doesn't expect you to live a perfect life, but He desires that as you daily choose to follow Him, you would grow closer to Him and become more like Him each year.
To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org,paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.
Daily Bible Reading
Zechariah 13-14 | Revelation 21
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