the e-Testament
Scripture
Matthew 25:14-30
The Story About Investment
“It’s also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master’s investment. The second did the same. But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master’s money.
“After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.’
“The servant with the two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master’s investment. His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.’
“The servant given one thousand said, ‘Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.’
“The master was furious. ‘That’s a terrible way to live! It’s criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest.
“‘Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this “play-it-safe” who won’t go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness.’
Reflection
You are uniquely made, uniquely blessed and only you have your particular selection of gifts, talents, abilities, personality traits, characteristics, family and life circumstances. You are a steward of God’s wonderful creation. A particularly special part of God's creation is YOU! What do you do when you receive a gift? Put it on a shelf and look at it? Hide it under your bed for safe-keeping? Tear the wrapping off, open it up and start enjoying it?
Gifts are given to be opened, to be treasured, to be used, to help us, to inspire us, to bring joy to us & those around us. This passage makes me think that when He made you and gave you your gifts, God gave responsibility for using what He gave you.
These 3 servants, just like us, were given responsibility, in their case it was money. Large amounts of money! Each one given a different amount. The first 2 servants pleased the master, made the most of what they had been entrusted with. They invested, they made the most of what they had been given. That meant taking chances, stepping out into the unknown, being brave. I feel a bit sorry for the third servant. He probably thought he was doing the right thing in burying the cash, ensuring it was safe. But he didn't understand. Whatever the gifts that we are entrusted with, they are not to be buried, they must be developed, not hidden, enjoyed, not concealed.
It takes trust, courage and determination to make the most of what God has given us. May we always be people who endeavour to be like the wise servants and enjoy, share & rejoice in our gifts.
Jessica Wilkinson
Salesian Cooperator
Prayer
Dear Lord
You made us and you love us. Thank you for all the gifts you have bestowed on us. Please give us the courage, strength and joy to be the best we can be. May we grow ever closer to you as we discover more and more about who you made us to be and the plans you have in store for us.
Amen