Resource Management – The Presidential Prayer Team

Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, – Luke 12:48

Along its approximately 1,450 miles, the Colorado River delivers water to seven states in the West. The Upper Basin of Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico receive their allotment while the Lower Basin, comprised of Nevada, California, and Arizona, share in that resource. About 10 percent of the river’s water reaches Mexico. Each state must manage its portion, seeking to achieve a balance between agricultural, urban, tribal, and environmental needs. Management includes planning and scheduling to ensure that proper allocations are where they need to be at the right time.

Today’s verse comes from the explanation of a parable Jesus spoke on responsible resource management, often called stewardship. God has granted everyone with temporal as well as spiritual gifts, and He expects you to use them to advance His kingdom. He desires that you be wise and faithful managers of such resources (Luke 12:42). Theologian Charles H. Spurgeon wrote, “Judge then… how much of ability and talent your Lord has entrusted to you and be not content to have rendered him some service, but look for appropriate service, and humble yourselves in his presence if your service is not appropriate to the opportunities entrusted to you.” The concept in today’s verse is a basic principle that should be applied to every area of life. Bible scholar and author Norman Crawford said, “We must answer to God for our obedience to the truth that he has given us.”

Managing and putting to good use the resources God has given you should be a joyful service. How are you doing with yours? Are you managing well? An influential missiologist from South Africa, David Bosch, wrote, “Use now what God has given you; count not its worth as small. God does not ask of you great things. Just faithfulness—that’s all.” Pray that Christians in government consider their responsibility to manage taxpayer resources in the decisions they make.

Today’s Verse: Luke 12:48

But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Luke 12:42-48

⁴²And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? ⁴³Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. ⁴⁴Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. ⁴⁵But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, ⁴⁶the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. ⁴⁷And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. ⁴⁸But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.