The Parable of the Bags: Faith, Finance, and the Power of Stewardship
Today’s church sermon really stuck with me. It was based on Matthew 25:14–30, where a man entrusted three servants with varying amounts of wealth before leaving on a journey.
To one, he gave five bags of gold.
To another, two bags.
And to the last, one bag—each according to their ability.
The first servant took his five bags and turned them into ten. The second doubled his two into four. But the last servant buried his single bag, thinking that was the safest choice.
When the man returned, he met with each of them.
The first and second servants presented what they’d gained, and the man replied,
“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.”
But when the last servant explained how fear led him to bury his gold, the man called him wicked and lazy.
“You should have put my money on deposit with the bankers so that I would have received it back with interest.”
The man then took the one bag and gave it to the servant who had ten, saying:
“For whoever has will be given more, and they will have abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”
Now let’s talk about it.
If I haven’t mentioned it before—here at The Urban Profit, we do God. We do church. And that’s first and foremost.
This message has been sitting on my spirit for a while because it has so many layers to reflect on.
Two of the servants used their abilities to double what they’d been given—without hesitation. The man handed them gold, and they immediately put it to work. They made that money make more money (sound familiar?).
But the last servant? He froze. He was scared to move, scared to lose, and ended up hiding what he was blessed with. He could’ve easily placed it with the bankers and earned interest. Instead, he buried potential.
The Bible been talking finance.
The Bible has been around wayyy longer than any Buffett or Ramsey, yet its lessons hit the same. Think about it:
The last servant lacked knowledge and faith to put his resources somewhere that could grow. Even simple concepts like compound interest could’ve changed his situation.
The first two servants had a plan. Regardless of the amount, they combined faith and knowledge—a powerful combo. They showed stewardship, proving they could handle more. Their message was clear:
“If I can multiply this, imagine what I could do if you gave me more.”
So, how are you managing your bags?
As you look at your current financial situation, ask yourself:
Are you being the best steward of what you’ve been given?
God blessed each of us with unique abilities and opportunities. Some are doctors, lawyers, and engineers. Others are teachers, mentors, or personal finance bloggers. Income levels may vary—but stewardship doesn’t.
There are doctors and lawyers living paycheck to paycheck, praying they don’t hit a financial storm. And there are teachers who rest easy, knowing they have an emergency fund and a plan.
The difference isn’t income—it’s stewardship.
It’s about choices.
We all make them. But are we choosing what sets up our future selves for success—or just doing what feels good right now?
Budgeting, saving, and investing aren’t about restriction—they’re about responsibility. It’s not about denying yourself nice things; it’s about knowing when and how to enjoy them.
What good is “buying the mall up” if you can’t afford to send your kids to school?
What’s the point of a new SUV if it’s parked at your parents’ house because your credit isn’t strong enough to get your own spot?
Grace and growth.
Nobody’s perfect. We all make mistakes with money. But the question is—are we learning from them?
Are we using the resources and wisdom available to make better moves next time?
Are we showing that we can handle more, if and when it’s given to us?
Life happens—job loss, health scares, unexpected bills. But those storms hit different when you’ve prepared your house.
So next payday, ask yourself:
Will you blow the bag because “another one’s coming”?
Or will you move differently—like someone preparing to be trusted with more?
