Faithfulness Provides (Part 1)
FAITHFULNESS TO GOD BRINGS REWARD.
Bible Reading of the Day: Read Matthew 25:14-23.
Verse of the Day: “The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness” (1 Samuel 26:23, NIV).
Marita’s mother watched her from the front porch. Marita rode her tricycle down the sidewalk in front of her house, stopped at the fire hydrant down the street, then turned around and rode back. When she turned her tricycle into the driveway of her own house, her mother came down the steps and walked over to her.
“I’m so proud of you,” Mom said.
Marita wrinkled her nose the way she always did when she asked a question or didn’t understand something. “Why?” she asked.
“Because you always turn around at the fire hydrant,” Mom answered.
“You told me I could only ride that far,” Marita said.
Mom nodded. “That’s right. And you’ve never forgotten or tried to disobey Mommy when I wasn’t looking.” Marita shook her head solemnly.
“You know what?” Mom said, then continued. “Since you’ve been so good about turning around at the fire hydrant, I think you’re big enough to go a little farther.” She craned her neck to look down the street. “From now on, you can go all the way to that telephone pole with the big orange stripe on it,” she said, pointing.
Marita looked down the street, then looked back at her mother with wide eyes. “I can?” she said.
“Yes,” Mom said. “Just remember to be careful.”
“I will!” Marita answered excitedly. She turned her tricycle back toward the sidewalk. “I’m going to go try it right now!” she called to Mom as her legs furiously pumped the pedals.
TO DISCUSS: Why did Marita’s mom decide to let Marita have more responsibility? Do you think God also rewards us if we are faithful to him? If so, how?
TO PRAY: “Lord, we know you reward those who are faithful. Help us to be like the faithful servants in the parable. Show us what we need to do to faithfully use the talents and abilities you have given us.”