Carrie Baker – The Growth Collective

Living the Kingdom Message Part Two – What’s in your hands, and how will you use it?

Last time in Part One called; The Invitation Hidden in Bags of Gold, we reflected on the parable of the bags of gold in Matthew 25, and how Jesus spoke this story to paint a picture of the Kingdom of Heaven. Which is not just a future hope, but a present reality we’re invited to live out – here and now. We talk about how we are co-labourers with Christ, entrusted with this message and with the work of His Kingdom.

(Find Part One here : The Invitation Hidden in the Bags of Gold)

Now, let’s go deeper…

One of the most powerful truths I discussed with the ladies at the conference, was this: God has entrusted something unique to each of us. Not equally, but intentionally, according to our individual ability.

Just like in the parable, one servant received five bags, another two, and another one. The amount they were entrusted with wasn’t the focus – what mattered was how they responded and what they did with it. The master celebrated their faithfulness, not the size of the gift. This is such a beautiful truth for us today – we are celebrated for our faithfulness, not for the size of our capacity.

God isn’t asking you to be someone else, or to steward what others do. He isn’t even asking you to do things the way others will. In the beautiful and endless tapestry of all things, the Lord made plans long ago, for you to carry the bags of gold entrusted to you, in a way that only you can – with the unique skills, gifts and talents He has given you.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

Jesus is asking you to be faithful with what you’ve been given, and to use what He has given to you so that you can.

So, what’s in your hands?

It might be a gift for hospitality, a passion for prayer, a creative spark, or a heart for justice. Perhaps it’s the ability to lead, to organise, to nurture, to teach. Maybe it’s the patience to walk with someone through suffering, or the courage to speak out when others stay silent.

And it’s not just about what we do – it’s about how we live. Our words, our time, our choices… they all speak. We are always communicating something. The question is: Are we living in a way that is communicating the message of the Kingdom?

Here is the beautiful mystery of grace: God could accomplish His plans without us – but He chooses to include us. He wants to work through us. We’re not merely messengers – we are the message.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:2–3:
“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts… known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ… written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God…”

We are living letters, walking, breathing reminders that Jesus is alive, that because of this the Kingdom is here and near, and that our hope is not in vain.

But what happens if we bury what we’ve been given?

The reason we might bury what we have been given are things like: Fear. Shame. Comparison. The servant who buried his bag of gold said, “I was afraid.” And aren’t we the same? Afraid we’re not enough. Afraid we’ll fail. Afraid others are more qualified.

Do you remember what happened in the parable to the servant who buried what he’d been given? Sent away and banished. Because he was given the amount according to his ability, and knew what he must do with it – and yet he chose to do nothing. He made the wrong choice, and this story is also a warning for us too.

But here’s the truth: Kingdom living isn’t about perfection. It’s about faithfulness.

God honours our faithfulness, even when it’s messy and imperfect. He looks for willing hearts, not polished performances.

So how do we use what we have been given, so that we can steward what we’ve been entrusted with?

• We start by saying yes. Yes to the prompting of the Spirit. Yes to the small opportunities. Yes to the unseen acts of faithfulness.
• We lean into community, where others can help us see the gifts we don’t always recognise in ourselves. We take steps of courage as we learn to use them, or use them to greater impact.
• We stay firmly planted in His Word, where we’re reminded of His promises and purposes.
• We pray, “Lord, show me how to use what You’ve placed in my hands.”

Because one day, the Jesus will return, and He will ask, “What did you do with what I gave you?”

That question used to fill me with dread. I’d worry about all the missed opportunities, the things I didn’t pursue, or the gifts I didn’t use. 

But now, I see this question as the loving invitation he extends to us now. “What will you do with what I gave you?” God isn’t testing us – He is trusting us. He longs to partner with us in His work to restore and renew all things. 

And He promises joy to those who are faithful: “Well done, good and faithful servant… Come and share your master’s happiness.” (Matthew 25:23) Let that be what we live for.

May we be a people who multiply the Kingdom message and use what we’ve been given to do that – not for applause, but for the glory of God, and for partnering with Him to build the Kingdom.

May we carry the Kingdom message in all we do – through our creativity, our service, our work, our relationships, and our everyday choices.
And may we look ahead with hope, knowing that what we do here and now matters for eternity.

Before you go, take a moment to journal, or think on these questions:

• What has been entrusted into your hands right now?
• What has the Lord created uniquely within you (gifts, talents, skills, passions), to enable you to steward the message of the Kingdom of Heaven?
• How can you use those things to help you to live out this Kingdom Message? 
• Are there things that you have buried like the servant with the one bag of gold? 
• If the Lord has created you for the ‘good works’ that He planned and prepared in advance for you, you are ready right now to begin doing that work. What else is stopping you?
• What small step of faith can you take today to live out the message of the Kingdom?

Don’t bury your gold, or those beautiful unique gifts and talents the Lord has given you. He knows your capacity and your ability, and had given you all you need to be a good steward of what has been entrusted to you. 

As you choose to trust our faithful God, who planned this good work for you to do – watch and see how He brings those gifts to life within you, as you live out and share the precious message that the Kingdom of Heaven is coming and in part is already here.

(This is a whole other conversation for some other time!)

Take hold of what is in your hands, walk alongside the One who gives you all you need, and watch heaven reveal itself as it comes a little nearer.

Keep Growing friend, there is so much more the Lord wants to do in and through you, and I can’t wait to see it.

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See you soon friend, 

Carrie x