Matthew 26:29-30
O: Parable of the talents. I've read this one a lot, but I feel like there's much more to it. I used to teach it about God-given gifts and talents-in teaching praise team to strive for excellence and always seeking to improve and be faithful with what we've been given. No matter how little or how great of a responsibility we've been given, we're all called to be faithful.
After reading the end of this passage, I notice that Jesus makes an exciting promise for those who are faithful - "For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance..." So...Everyone who has what? Faithfulness? I think it means everyone who has been faithful with what they've been given, more will be given. This is very much where I believe Pastor Jason gets a saying that I remember very clearly-those who are responsible with a little will be given much more.
That reminds me of a passage in Luke 12:42-44, 48 -
"Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants to give them their rations at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions...."
"From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more."
Of course, now I realize that it has much more to do with all things God has given me rather than just musical talents (although musical talents are to be used accordingly as well). I know that God has entrusted me as a servant to use what I have faithfully-as a student, I need to be a good steward of my relationships and finances and so forth. Everything I have has been entrusted to me (as everything I have, has been given to me by the Lord) - Some of these things are big responsibilities and could easily be abused. I could spend all my money on music equipment, neglect important people placed in my life, and other examples of selfish ways of living. I've come to learn that God can use anything from me buying someone lunch to constant prayer for someone - This idea of being responsible ties in with many things that Jesus taught about - personal relationships, disciplines, serving. In all responsibilities one is given in a job or career, that person is expected to have a standard of work or else they would be fired. In the same way, God expects us to work diligently in our lives, for His sake-for such things are good.
(A): So I should work very diligently indeed. As God intends for me to be blessed in greater abundance by being faithful with what He has given me, why should I withhold His blessing from me? It's like something I remember Lynn telling me about not reading the Word...something along the lines of "Why wouldn't you read? It's like saying 'DON'T BLESS ME!' " God loves His people and I know He wants to bless me in abundance. I will be faithful with all that I have-my time, money, and the people that I cherish. It's a big commitment to live the way Christ calls us to live-but it's well worth it as I can tell from today's reading...
(O): However, the second part of today's reading is definitely scary. Those who are not faithful will have what they have, taken away from them. I suppose it's almost as if someone gave me money to feed my kids but instead I spend it on drugs and run away or something. That person would probably be very angry that I took advantage of what was given to me to fulfill my selfish desires. In the same way, God won't stand for His gifts being used in an abusive and selfish manner-I see people living for their gain each day, but I know that God will make good on His promises. People who are light-handed with what they have been given will inevitably have everything taken away from them, one day.
(A): With that being said, I should be very careful-Yes, I should live faithfully and responsibly by that which God has given me. However, it's so easy to say one thing, attempt to live that way and yet fall apart only moments later. I will very carefully consider all aspects of my life and see where I am falling short of being faithful (many areas, I'd assume).
Money - I could probably cut back on the food and splurging of new music equipment. I should also make it a habit of giving offering on a more regular basis.
People - I think being a faithful shepherd is really difficult, but if I put in more time and genuinely seek out God's changing touch to manifest in the lives of others, I can be more diligent in hanging out with them and praying for them as well as getting them into the Word. What more can I do? But it's such a large task to make it a reality. Slowly but surely-I need to be diligent.
Discipline - I've come to a point where I need to organize my time to literally make time for all the reading and praying that SHOULD be in my life, but isn't quite there. It's like as if I'm putting it off-but here I am writing it out to remind myself that everyday I need to shed another layer of my sinfulness and get off of my sloth-horse and get moving.
P: Good and gracious God, how wonderful it is to receive Your blessing. You are a generous God in bringing about such abundance-and yet, even if the blessings were not there, You are still good. Praises to You :] Thank You for this time that was repeatedly delayed by my distractions, but Your patience won me over in the end. Praises to YOU!
Lord, I am weary from battling sin and losing. I am sorry for losing myself to my flesh, yet again. I know that a daily crucifying of myself is in order and I am sorry that on some days I am so lazy and stricken with lethargy. Forgive my diligence, as I've learned today that I am not very faithful...
But thank You-as I've already mentioned, You have been so patient with me and have shown me diligence in Your Word. Today was a productive day and I thank You for the people in Pathway (and Aaron Chung) that have taken upon themselves to keep me accountable-I feel very blessed to have such people in my life. I pray that You would make me an encouragement and blessing in their lives as well.
Lord, it seems almost strange to ask for this, but I want to be faithful in all areas of my life! It seems that we only need to have an LJ count and prayer life to be set-but I know that You look upon my entire heart and my entire life...and I want it to be fully submitted to You, Lord. I pray that You would mold my heart to be one of a faithful heart, devoted to Your calling. In Christ, amen.
Soli Deo Gloria
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