Submitted by Curtis Tucker
“After he (a nobleman) was crowned king, he returned and called in the servants to whom he had given the money. He wanted to find out what their profits were. The first servant reported, ‘Master, I invested your money and made ten times the original amount!’ “‘Well done!’ the king exclaimed. ‘You are a good servant. You have been faithful with the little I entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward.’ “The next servant reported, ‘Master, I invested your money and made five times the original amount.’ “‘Well done!’ the king said. ‘You will be governor over five cities.’ “But the third servant brought back only the original amount of money and said, ‘Master, I hid your money and kept it safe. I was afraid because you are a hard man to deal with, taking what isn’t yours and harvesting crops you didn’t plant.’ “‘You wicked servant!’ the king roared. ‘Your own words condemn you. If you knew that I’m a hard man who takes what isn’t mine and harvests crops I didn’t plant, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ “Then, turning to the others standing nearby, the king ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one who has ten pounds.’ “‘But, master,’ they said, ‘he already has ten pounds!’ “‘Yes,’ the king replied, ‘and to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. (Luke 19:15-26, NLT)
Let’s consider this servant who went and hid the money that he was given. The servant defended his actions stating he was afraid of losing what belonged to the master. The master says that the least the servant could have done is to invest the money so that it would draw a little interest. As you read the servant’s account and excuses for his actions, it seems that he was not so much motivated by a desire to please his master as he was by a fear of displeasing the master. There is a difference. When fear motivates our actions, it will become inaction. We will not take a risk. Following Christ and using the gifts and blessings He has given us, will require risk. The Message translation of verse 26 states, “Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of.”
We have a responsibility to put to work the gifts God has given us. We may not be as gifted as our neighbor, but we are gifted. Therefore, we invest in the kingdom by using our “gifts” within our church and our community. The Apostle Peter says we all have been gifted. “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” (1 Peter 4:10)
Take a risk. Let your love and passion for Christ motivate you more than the fear your soul’s enemy speaks into your mind. It’s sad to see people live their “safe” life and never accomplish anything for God. Take a risk and get more than you ever dreamed of!
Here’s an idea for a prayer to pray:
God, I pray that I will not be motivated by fear. Help me take a risk. Help me to risk pride in order to be the person that I should be and fulfill the purpose you have for me. Help me to risk in order to impact the lives of others. Thank you for what you have done in my life and where you have brought mefrom. Thank you for the life you are going to give me as I use your gifts, take risk, and overcome the fear that holds me back! –Amen
