The story is told of a man visiting a farmer who was going through hard times.
He wondered what had gone wrong, so he asked the farmer, “Did you have a poor harvest this year?” The response quickly came back, “I didn’t have any!”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” his friend sympathized. “Didn’t you even get corn?” “No, and I didn’t plant any. I was afraid we wouldn’t get enough rain.”
“Well, what about your potatoes?” He exclaimed, “I decided not to plant any because I was afraid the bugs would get them.”
No wonder this man didn’t reap a harvest! He was so apprehensive that he didn’t even try to raise anything.
This fictitious story reminds me of the unfaithful servant who was punished for his failure to make good use of the money entrusted to him. Because of fear, he put it away “in a handkerchief” (Lk. 19:20). He played it safe—and lost. The whole story is found in Luke 19:11-27. Why was the king so hard on this man who had not increased the money? He punished the man because (1) he didn’t share his master’s interest in the kingdom; (2) he didn’t trust his master’s intentions; (3) his only concern was for himself, and (4) he did nothing to use the money.
The parable of Luke 19 can also apply to the talents the Lord has given us. He wants us to use them for His glory, and not be so anxious about failure that we play it safe by doing nothing at all. This story showed Jesus’ followers what they were to do during the time between Jesus’ departure and His second coming. Because we live in that time period, it applies directly to us. We have been given excellent resources to building and expand God’s kingdom. Jesus expects us to use these talents so that they multiply and the kingdom grows. He asks each of us to account for what we do with His gifts. While awaiting the coming of the Lord in glory, we must do Christ’s work.
Do you want God’s kingdom to increase? Do you trust God to govern it fairly? Are you as concerned about the welfare of others as you are your own? Are you willing to use faithfully what He has entrusted to you? Don’t make a cemetery of your life by burying your talents. Let’s seek God’s will in prayer and then dare to do as He commands!
May God Bless,
Russ
Russ Vickers is the minister of the Middle Fayette Church of Christ, Fayetteville, Ga. The church building is located in the Glynn-Hood Plaza at 372 North Glynn St. across the road from La Hacienda Restaurant. They invite you come and visit them on Sunday for Bible study at 9:00 a.m. and worship at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday evening Bible Study at 7:00 p.m. They also offer a free of charge DVD based Bible Study at their church building. Just call to make an appointment. Visit them on the web at www.mfcoc.org for the plan of salvation and other information.
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