Faithfulness Check
Someone wrote, “If you think you are too small to be effective, you’ve never been in bed with a mosquito.” Matthew 25:14-30 is about missed opportunity. First, God trusts His servants with resources—“The kingdom of heaven is like
a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.” (v. 14) These are the Master’s resources that His servants are using. “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:7) The Lord supplies what is needed to do His work. Whatever we receive is to be used for His purpose and plan. Some are trusted with more than others, i.e. Billy Graham versus the average church pastor. Second, God calls His servants to accountability—“After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.” (v. 19) How well were the resources in your trust used for His kingdom’s work? At the judgment seat. Jesus will ask, “How did it go?” But His focus won’t be on how much you accomplished, but rather on how faithful you were to the task. Third, God judges His servants on faithfulness—“But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.” (vv.26-27) By repeating the charge, the master was not agreeing that it was true. He was letting the servant’s own words condemn him. He tried to justify his laziness by accusing his master. “My boss is a jerk.” It may be true, but what does it have to do with your faithfulness to your job? Finally, Jesus said, to everyone who has, more will be given. Jesus ascended to heaven, sent the Holy Spirit, and gave believers a great commission. When He returns, Jesus will review His servants’ work.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
