Shrewd Servant

Author: Joseph

Date: August 25, 2019

We are all given a limited amount of time during our lifespan. People have been inspired to create mantras and catchphrases regarding this such as “seize the day,” “get rich or die trying,” or “live like there’s no tomorrow.” The list is as numerous as people who have lived on this planet. Everyone has their own way of saying, “life is short, so live it well.”

In the secular world, this means wisely using time and other resources to acquire as much power, wealth, and influence as possible in order to have the greatest impact on the world – which sometimes means just living a pleasant life for oneself. Bargains are made, loopholes are found, and technicalities utilized to gain power. Markets are invested, businesses opened, and products and services are created to gain wealth. Communication skills are trained, languages are learned, and physical appearance is conformed to gain influence. The world is filled with shrewd, secular people who are capable of using their resources to gain the maximum benefit for themselves or for some goal they wish to achieve.

"...we are to be shrewd with how we use what we are given..."

The “children of light” or disciples of Yeshua, the Lord, rarely can be praised for being as shrewd as their secular counterparts. Power is not often sought because it is thought of as corrupt, although it can be a great tool that overcomes limitations that would otherwise be in place. Wealth is not utilized well because it is either wasted on fruitless efforts or given away to secular counterparts who use it more wisely. Influence is falsely seen as for those who are “innately” charismatic in speech, but this ignorantly dismisses the effort it takes to achieve influence among people.

As disciples of Yeshua, we are given various amounts of “things” (gifts, talents, resources) to use for God’s Kingdom work. To some much is given, while to others little is given. No matter how much we are given, we can still use these things for God’s purposes. Regardless of the amount we are given, we are to be shrewd with how we use what we are given and maximize it.

We are either lazy or outright negligent if we are not at least as shrewd as our secular counterparts. We cannot dismiss or diminish our responsibility with what we were given. We will be held accountable for all that God has provided us. A secular person has no fear of accountability to God, yet even in their selfish motivations they wisely use what they are given with all their abilities and efforts. Why should a disciple of Yeshua, one who knows the living God and serves Him, do anything less?

If we sought God’s work and will as much as we did our own goals, imagine the good fruit we would produce in our lives and the lives of others. Our goals, when not in God’s will, are futile anyway, so why not give your all for His cause instead?

Matthew 10:16