by Ester yusufu | 24 December 2020 08:46 pm12
Shalom!
Let’s reflect on a deep truth from God’s Word today. Scripture tells us that:
“The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.” – Psalm 12:6
This means God’s Word holds endless depth—it can be read over and over, each time revealing fresh insight. That’s why, even after centuries, the Bible is still alive and relevant. (Hebrews 4:12)
In this parable, Jesus tells of a master who entrusts three servants with different amounts of money (called “talents”) before going on a journey. One receives five talents, another two, and the last one, a single talent.
The first two servants immediately put their gifts to work and double what was given to them. But the third servant, who received one talent, chose to bury his and returned it unused. Listen to his reasoning:
“Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.” – Matthew 25:24–25
His words are striking. He wasn’t inventing lies—he was speaking out of fear and personal perception. He saw his master as demanding, someone who expected results without always providing clear resources. This belief caused him to do nothing.
Yet notice: while he was overthinking and making assumptions, the other servants got to work, even without ideal conditions. They didn’t let fear hold them back. They were faithful with what they had.
Theology in Focus: Faithfulness Over Comfort
This parable reminds us of a key theological truth: God doesn’t call us to serve Him only when things are ideal—He calls us to be faithful with what we have.
In Luke 16:10, Jesus says:
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much…”
And again, Paul reminds us:
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23
Serving God may not always feel convenient. You might be tempted to say, “Once I have more money, a house, or a car, I’ll start giving or serving.” But that mindset is rooted in fear and misunderstanding.
The third servant let fear dictate his response. He viewed the master through a lens of mistrust and self-preservation. In contrast, the others chose to trust and act—despite the risk.
When the master returned, he praised the faithful servants:
“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” – Matthew 25:21
But the third servant was rebuked:
“You wicked and slothful servant!… Take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents… And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness.” – Matthew 25:26, 28, 30
This is not just about money. It’s about kingdom responsibility. God entrusts each of us with gifts—time, talent, resources. He expects us to steward them, even when it’s hard, inconvenient, or feels like we’re lacking.
You don’t need to wait until you have “enough” to serve God. He’s not asking for what you don’t have—He’s asking you to use what He’s already given you.
If you only have one hour a week, give it. If you have just a little to give, give faithfully. God sees the heart.
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
When you’re faithful with little, God will entrust you with more—just like the two servants who went on to be rulers over cities (Luke 19:17).
Don’t let fear, comparison, or unrealistic expectations stop you from serving. Don’t be like the servant who buried his gift. Be like the ones who worked with what they had and were richly rewarded.
You may feel like you’re giving from a place of lack—but in God’s kingdom, obedience always leads to abundance.
Start where you are. Use what you have. Serve faithfully.
Shalom.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2020/12/24/serving-god-might-not-look-like-you-expect-but-its-worth-it/
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