I was Afraid

Matthew 25:26 “So I was afraid, and went out and hid your talent in the ground…” (NIV)*

Was the servant miserly or safe? He knew of his master’s investor mentality, to gather where he did not plant. So, why did the servant hide the talent and give it absolutely no chance of growing? He was afraid.

But, isn’t it good to be afraid? Afraid makes us cautious, wise, better stewards, right? Not investing leaves no risk of loosing. Or growing. Isn’t being afraid seeing dangers ahead and taking cover? Is acting on fear dealing with reality…or hiding from it?

Fear breeds inaction–playing it safe to the extreme.

In God’s kingdom economy, investing is wise and multiplying is His way. Whether the talents be money, assets, gifts or abilities. Each talent is meant to be managed in a way that furthers His Kingdom.

But, what will people think? What if I put it out there only to be rejected? What if I make a bad choice, choose a wrong path and loose the one talent? All understandable fears.

Yet, when He gives a talent, He wants it to grow.

You can take that one talent and bury it deep. Keep it safe until seeing Him face to face. Give back exactly what He gave, no more and no less.

Or, invest it. Share it. Offer it. Pray for guidance and counsel. Be wise, yet not fearful. Have confidence in God. And when seeing you face to face, may His words be:

“…Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:23 (NIV)*

*The One Year Bible, New International Version, copyright 1986, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois.

photo by Patty Perkins