The Multiplier Effect is a financial term that can be defined as follows: An effect in economics in which an increase in spending produces an increase in national income and consumption greater than the initial amount spent.

The parable of the pounds helps to bring clarity to what “The Multiplier Effect” can mean to us as believers in Christ. An initial investment of 1 pound was provided to this man who multiplied it into 10 pounds. The master rewarded this man’s faithfulness by giving him authority over ten cities. Think about it! An investment of one pound resulted in the multiplied fruit of ten cities placed under the authority of this faithful servant.

These thoughts are being quickened to me as we approach the beginning of a New Year. In the parable of both the Pounds and Talents there comes a time when the master returns for an account of their respective stewardships to be given. If true, think of some of the potential ramifications.

1. We Reproduce what we are (The man with the One Pound)
Have we given thought as to how we have handled the many blessings the Lord has given to us? Think of the one man who did not provide a return on the one pound that was given to him (Luke 19:20-22). The primary reason for his failure was due to how he saw his Master. His distorted view prohibited the sowing and investing into his master’s interests. How do you view God? Do you appreciate the investment He has made into your life while seeking to reinvest into the lives of others? Perhaps you are among those who sits on the blessings of God on a self-serving basis. You serve God out of convenience rather than with a kingdom mindset. These parables should serve as a warning that there is coming day when we will give an account.

2. We Reproduce what we are (The faithful men who invested their pounds)
On an appointed day, the master returned and rewarded the faithful investors with “Multiplier Effect” measured blessings (Luke 19:16-19). Have you ever thought of the Lord in terms of being an investor? We should because there are many verses in Scripture that reinforces this truth. The parable of the sower speaks of seed that falls upon good ground that ends up yielding 30, 60 and 100-fold fruit. The condition of our heart will determine that which is reproduced.

But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (Matthew 13:23)

3. What are we Reproducing?
What if the Lord were to come and suddenly require an account of our stewardship of the resources He has provided? These past few years have proved challenging to the worldwide church. This is certainly true for Lighthouse as well as for Lighters. At the same time it has provided an opportunity for each of us to take inventory of our individual stewardship. It is also providing us an opportunity to come together as a church and to re-evaluate where we stand in the Kingdom Commission that God has entrusted to us. As individuals and as a church what are we reproducing?

The following verses were presented to the church two years ago. This was before the Covid crisis and the events that soon followed:

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (John 15:2)

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (John 15:8)

This may not be the discipleship journey we envisioned, nonetheless it is part of the process. So what does all of this mean as we approach the beginning of a New Year? Perhaps the events that took place at Pentecost will help in our understanding. A few people who were united in purpose came together to wait upon the Lord (Acts 1:15, 2:1-2). Suddenly, there was an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that was able to move upon that small gathering of believers. What happened next is the ultimate example of the “Multiplier Effect”. A small gathering of 120 people who were united in purpose quickly turned into thousands being added to the church daily (Acts 2:47). And you know what is amazing in all of this? A greater glory has been reserved for our day (Haggai 2:9).

Remember, we eventually reproduce who we are. Let’s prepare for 2022 by seeking the implementing of “The Multiplier Effect” to be a reality in Lighthouse and in our lives.