[Jesus was teaching the people.] ". . . A man called together his servants and loaned them money to invest for him while he was gone. He gave $5,000 to one, $2,000 to another, and $1,000 to the last - dividing it in proportion to their abilities - and then he left on his trip . . .

   "After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to him to account for his money. The man to whom he had entrusted the $5,000 brought him $10,000. His master praised him for good work. 'You have been faithful in handling this small amount,' he told him, 'so now I will give you many more responsibilities.' "

   "Are you a wise and faithful servant of the Lord? . . . Blessings on you if I return and find you faithfully doing your work. I will put such faithful ones in charge of everything I own!"

   "The more lowly your service to others, the greater you are. To be the greatest, be a servant. But those who think themselves great shall be disappointed and humbled; and those who humble themselves shall be exalted. For even I, the Messiah, am not here to be served, but to help others, and to give My life as a ransom for many."

   Never be lazy in your work but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters, remembering that it is the Lord Christ Who is going to pay you, giving you your full portion of all He owns. He is the one you are really working for. And if you don't do your best for Him, He will pay you in a way that you won't like - for He has no special favorites who can get away with shirking.

   A king rejoices in servants who know what they are doing; he is angry with those who cause trouble.

   Never falsely accuse a man to his employer, lest he curse you for your sin.

   Masters, give your servants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands.

Taken from Mt. 25, 24, 23, Mk. 10, Rom. 12, Col. 3, Pr. 14, 30, Col. 4, Ps. 90, The
Living Bible and The New King James. For free Lifescope book, write to Box 1575,
Carlsbad, NM 88221. Please send $1.00 for postage and handling.