PODCAST
It Is Not My Money
November 1st, 2013
Matthew 25:14-30
It was about 25 years ago that comedian Bill Cosby used the phrase, “It’s my money” in an advertising campaign for a prominent financial firm. The phrase, or the similar “It’s your money,” has become popular in our conversations and advice about money management.
In fact, Jesus’ teaching about stewardship seems to be the opposite. It is not my money. From the view point of stewardship a better phrase might be “It’s my responsibility.” To the extent that the belief that it is my money is consistent with stewardship, it may mean since God has allowed me to accumulate it, I have a personal responsibility to make sure it is well invested and used wisely as the Holy Spirit directs.
This responsibility is not dependent on the amount placed in our care. In Jesus’ parable people received five, two, or one talents and all three might have heard their master’s “Well done.” We receive into our care varying amounts. Whatever the amount, it is not ours. We are responsible to invest and use God’s resources and eventually give an accounting to the master.
Author: Kenneth E. Crow
