James had always prided himself on being a hard worker. As an investment advisor, he poured countless hours into his job, strategizing, meeting deadlines, and going the extra mile for his clients. His boss often praised him as one of the most dedicated employees on the team, and James took pride in his results.

But outside of work, things were different.

James was also involved in his local church in Stacey Bushes Meeting Place, MIlton Keynes and could be found almost every Sunday. He volunteered occasionally helping with the monthly community cleanup or attending planning meetings for outreach events, but deep down, he knew he wasn’t giving his best. He’d show up late, rarely followed through on commitments, and often treated church responsibilities as optional.

Still, James expected God’s blessings. He often prayed for financial success, career growth, and a happy life. But something gnawed at him, why did his efforts at church feel so half-hearted compared to his performance at work?

One evening, James joined the church weekly Bacenta Bible study group. The leader, Kojo, began reading from Luke 19:13, part of the Parable of the Ten Minas:

“So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business until I return.’”

Kojo explained that the nobleman in the parable represents Jesus, who entrusts His followers with gifts, resources, and opportunities. The servants who worked diligently with what they were given were rewarded, but the servant who did nothing with his mina was rebuked.

“Jesus calls us to be faithful with everything He’s given us,” Kojo said. “That includes our jobs, our families, and our work in His kingdom. We can’t expect blessings if we’re only giving Him half of what we give elsewhere.”

The words hit James like a lightning bolt. He realized he had been giving his all at work in the 5 days a week, but only giving half-hearted effort at church for just the one Sunday in the week. He treated his job as a priority because it provided his paycheck, but when it came to serving God, he often acted like it was an afterthought.

James thought about the phrase “Do business until I return.” Jesus wasn’t just talking about his career. He was talking about every aspect of life, especially the work James did for God’s kingdom.

That night, James couldn’t sleep. He replayed the Bible study in his head, thinking about how much time and energy he poured into his job compared to his service at church.

“God,” he prayed, “I’ve been giving You my leftovers. I’ve been focused on my career and expecting You to bless me, but I haven’t been faithful with what You’ve entrusted to me. Forgive me, Lord. Help me to be just as diligent in serving You as I am in my job.”

The next morning, James woke up with a renewed sense of purpose.

James decided it was time to treat his service at church with the same level of care and commitment he gave to his job. He started by meeting with his pastor to ask where he could help.

“I want to be more involved,” James said. “Not just showing up when it’s convenient, but really committing to the work God is doing here.”

The pastor smiled. “We’ve been praying for more members to step up and lead. I think God’s been preparing your heart for this.”

James began taking on responsibilities in the church’s outreach ministry, helping to organize events and followup on people and counselling people who couldn’t make it to church on Sundays. At first, it felt overwhelming, balancing work and church commitments wasn’t easy. But James quickly discovered that serving with purpose brought a sense of fulfillment he hadn’t experienced before.

He started showing up early to church to help with the setting up and actively involved with prayer and praise & worship. He also started helping in preparing thoroughly for events, and treating his church responsibilities with the same professionalism and dedication he gave at work. He prayed over his tasks, asking God to use his efforts to make an impact for His kingdom.

Over time, James noticed a change in his attitude. He no longer saw church as just a place to attend on Sundays, it became a mission field, a place where he could use his skills and resources to glorify God.

One Saturday afternoon, as James helped set up for a community outreach event, he thought back to Luke 19:13: “Do business until I return.”

James realized that serving faithfully wasn’t about earning God’s blessings, it was about being a good steward of what he had already been given. His job, his skills, his time, everything belonged to God, and it was his responsibility to use it well.

James’s story reminds us that God calls us to be faithful in every area of our lives. It’s easy to pour our energy into work, hobbies, or personal goals while treating our service to God as an afterthought. But Jesus’s command to “do business until I return” challenges us to approach our work for His kingdom with the same diligence and passion we give to other pursuits.

If we want to experience the fullness of God’s blessings, we must be faithful stewards of the time, talents, and opportunities, He has entrusted to us, not just in our careers, but in our service to Him.

May you approach every task whether at work, at home, or in your church with a heart of faithfulness and purpose. May you see your service to God not as a burden, but as a privilege. And may you hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” when Jesus returns.

“So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business until I return.’”  Luke 19:13

Heavenly Father, thank You for entrusting me with gifts, talents, and opportunities. Forgive me for the times I’ve given You less than my best. Teach me to be faithful in every area of my life, especially in my service to You. Help me to use my time, skills, and energy to glorify You and advance Your kingdom. In Jesus Name, Amen.

May you live with purpose and passion, faithfully serving God in all you do.