Working for a Living (Matthew 25:14-30)

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 25:14-30

COMMENTS

Quick summary: Master gives 3 servants different amount of money to care for while he is gone. 2 double that money, one digs a hole and hides it there until the master returns. The first two are rewarded (with more responsibility), the third one is cast into outer darkness.

So what makes the difference? I think it would be too simple to say that the first two were rewarded based on the fact that the made a profit for the master. Is it profit the master was after? I don't think so, I think it was respect, or maybe appreciation. You see, the first 2 not only give the master what they were given, but they gave him what they had earned. They were proud of what they had done for their master. As a result, the master increases their responsibility. But the third servant saw things differently. He saw the master as a hard man. A man he felt was lazy and made his wealth off of the hard work of others. And here's the kicker, he was afraid of the master. Maybe he was afraid that if he failed or lost money, the master would have held him accountable, and made him pay back the full amount or more. So in his fear and anger and whatever else he may have been feeling, he took the money and buried it. At least that way, he would be able to give the master what was his.

We live in an age of perceived entitlement, were many think that someone having more than they have is unfair, no matter how they got more. Whole political campaigns are run with the idea of the wealthy sharing what they have with those who do not have as much. Not through charity, not through anything the poor have done, but just because they have more. In fact, those who have less are given no responsibility, other than to hold their hand out. Some realize that the wealthy are entitled to their wealth. Like the first two servants in the story, they appreciate the opportunity to serve their master. They give him the honor and respect he is due. But some feel entitled, like the third servant. Their response is a spit in the face to the master, taking the money and burying it. The words, "Here, you have what is yours." speak volumes about this man's contempt for the master.

And so it is with God. There are those who understand that God owes us nothing, and that we can serve him in any manner is a privilege. Then there are those who believe God owes us something. Not just in the realm of prosperity preachers, but also in the heart and attitude of many a believer. Prayers are nothing more than wish lists, the preaching that appeals tells us what God will do for us, and how He will make life easier and better. Compare that to the lives of the saints, and you will find a different story.