The Pathway to Greater Realms of Influence

¹⁶ Then came the first, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’ ¹⁷And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’ ¹⁸And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’ ¹⁹Likewise, he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities.’ (Luke 19:16-19)

In the heart of every Christian lies a seed of potential, a divine mina entrusted to us by the Master, which is a metaphor for the talents and gifts that God has placed within us. Luke 19:16-19 paints a vivid picture of stewardship and reward, highlighting a profound principle of the Kingdom: the measure of our faithfulness determines the realm of authority we are given.

The parable of the minas teaches us that each servant was given something small — a single mina. The first servant, recognising the value of what was entrusted to him, worked diligently and gained ten more. The second also multiplied his mina, although to a lesser degree, earning five additional minas. Their returns were not just numerical increases but were seen as evidence of their faithfulness and ability to handle greater responsibilities.

The biblical principle that "one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much" (Luke 16:10) comes to life in this narrative. The first servant’s tenfold return was not just a windfall; it was a testament to his diligence, creativity, and perseverance. Similarly, the second servant’s fivefold increase showcased his efforts and trustworthiness.

In God's economy, faithfulness is a currency more valuable than gold. It is the currency that purchases trust and opens the doors to greater works. As seen in Matthew 25:21, the faithful servant is not just rewarded with more tasks but with joy from the Master — "Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your master."

The first servant's tenfold multiplication resulted in authority over ten cities, while the second servant's fivefold increase yielded authority over five cities. This direct correlation between their faithfulness to multiply what was given and their subsequent authority is a principle that echoes throughout scripture. For instance, Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages trust in the Lord and acknowledgement of Him, which leads to Him making our paths straight — a form of increasing our territory of influence and blessing.

“Splendid! You have done well, my excellent servant. (Luke 19:17 TPT) There are servants, and then there are excellent servants. An excellent servant does not just do what is required but goes beyond serving with excellence and passion. Colossians 3:23-24 exhorts us to work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord we will receive the inheritance as our reward.

How, then, do we become excellent servants? By nurturing the gifts God has given us and serving others with the love and dedication that reflects God's heart. As 1 Peter 4:10 says, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace."

What is your mina? What has God entrusted to you that He is asking you to multiply? It could be a talent, a resource, or even a word of encouragement that you can give to others. As you are faithful with these 'little' things, God prepares you for increased authority — influence in your family, your community, and beyond.

As we faithfully serve, we become vessels of honour, ready for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:21 highlights the transformation that comes from setting ourselves apart as holy — prepared to do God's work and ready to be used for every good deed.

The story of the faithful servants reminds us that our work here on earth has eternal significance. The seeds of faithfulness we sow today will harvest a legacy of influence and impact for the Kingdom.

The Pathway to Greater Realms of Influence

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