What We've Been Given
14 "For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15 to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. At once 16 the one who had received the five talents went off and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17 In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18 But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them." (Matthew 25:14-19)
Jesus gave several examples to his disciples to help them (and us) understand the kingdom of God and what is expected of those who follow the way of Jesus. In the example that begins in Matthew 25:14, Jesus describes the way of the kingdom as a wealthy man who goes on a journey and entrusts his wealth to his 3 servants. He gives each servant responsibility for portions of his wealth in line with their abilities. While 2 of the servants used what they'd been given to increase their master's wealth, the third servant - out of fear of failure - buried what he'd been given. When the master returned, he praised the servants who had emulated his business practices and turned a profit. But he was severely displeased with the servant who knew how the master operated, but chose
his own safety over the masters desires.
Out of the wealth of our generous Creator, we've each been given something or some things that God expects us to use to enrich God's kingdom. We're supposed to do that by emulating Jesus - using all that we are and all that we have to bring wholeness and healing to a hurting world. Fear of failure is real, but so is God's grace. We might get it wrong sometimes. We, or what we're trying to do, might not always be received or might be misunderstood. But burying the treasure God has entrusted to us is not an option. God's been too good, and our gratitude for the liberation we've found in God's forgiveness, compels us to serve one another. Being good stewards of the wealth of God's goodness and grace is how we will see God's kingdom come, and God's will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
To begin discovering your spiritual gifts, take this free inventory:
6 So, then, let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober, 7 for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober and put on the breastplate of faith and love and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:6-11)
Enjoy this original song by yours truly.
And an excellent rendition of this spiritual!
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