“Well done good and faithful servant…” We all want to hear that from Jesus.
“You have been faithful with what I’ve given you to do. Here is your blessing – double!” Double joy, double honor, double effectiveness, and opportunity.
The parable of the talents is a well-known story. A talent, in this story is simply a type of money. But, let’s assume Jesus is also talking about resources like skills, opportunity, experience, support, gifts, and abilities.
Let’s imagine these 3 guys are pastors. Church planters perhaps.
One person gets 1 talent -“Here, use it to the best of your ability.”
Another gets 2 talents – “Use what I’ve given you to accomplish your assignment.”
Another gets 5 talents.
The “2-talent guy” and the “5-talent guy” used what they had with wisdom and grace, and God loved that. The 1-talent guy… “fail!”
Did you ever think what might have gone through the 2-talent guy’s mind at some point in the journey?
“Why did you only give me 2 talents?”
“I love you God, I want to please you. I really want to hear, ‘good job’ from you. It’s hard out there, Lord. I’m trying. I really am. I could do such a better job – if I had a few more talents.”
Did you ever feel like that? I have.
“I don’t want to judge anyone, Lord, you know I’m grateful to You, but…why did you give that guy 5 talents? I don’t understand. I heard that he’s difficult to work with and has hurt some good people who love you…and still you bless him.
Is this making sense to you, pastors?”
“It’s really been hard lately, Lord. I’m a little discouraged. I don’t have anything against ‘Mr. High 5’. I admire him. Seeing what he is doing, inspires me. I recommend him and the church he pastors to people who ask about them. I just think I could do a better job, if I had…a little more.”
Silence.
Silence can make the hard times…well…harder.
“Lord – do you love me less? Do I just not have ‘it’? Is there something I’m doing wrong?”
