Fruitful Gifts

Fruitful Gifts

Read: Mark 4:13-25

“Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.”

Mark 4:25

“Use your gifts faithfully, and they shall be enlarged.”

—Matthew Arnold

IN WORD This is one of the fundamental principles of the gospel: God’s gifts are not given to level the playing field for us; they are given to bear the most fruit. Whoever is found to be faithful with what God has given has demonstrated a trustworthiness that allows for greater blessing. Whoever squanders God’s gifts has proven to be an investment with bad returns. If God’s gifts were primarily about us, this would be grossly unfair. But God’s gifts are primarily about building His kingdom; profitable returns attract greater investments. Fruitful servants attract more resources from the Giver of all good things.

Jesus does not specify what is being given in this verse. Is it material resources? understanding and the light of the Gospel? talents and spiritual gifts? spiritual or temporal responsibility? Yes, it can be any or all of these. In the Gospel of Matthew, this verse comes at the end of the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:29). In that parable, it is clear that the gifts of God are intended to grow His kingdom. But the specific gift is not the issue. Where it is directed is the issue. What we do with whatever God has given us matters.

IN DEED What do you do with what God gives you? Many people assume that 10 percent of all of God’s blessings—money, time, and even talents—is like a God-tax, with everything else available to squander on personal consumption. Jesus is no enemy of the pleasures of life, but He never gives us blanket permission to use God’s resources frivolously. All He gives is for one primary purpose—building the eternal kingdom. Wherever we prove faithful in building that kingdom, we will be given ample resources, increasing with our measure of generosity. Wherever we prove unfaithful, we’ll find ourselves empty—perhaps not now, but eventually. Examine your investments, direct them toward eternity, and expect God to make them fruitful.