All Things Faithful- Luke 19:11-27<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Do you ever have days where you say to yourself, "If someone gives me one more thing to do, I am going to explode?"  I think for the most part we have all had days like these.  Sometimes we are being given responsibilities because we have proven ourselves worthy of the job.  Other times, we are simply being taken advantage of.  You certainly have to be able to distinguish between the two but don't miss the opportunity that might come out of either. 
In Luke 19:11-27 we see a parable of Jesus that is an incredible teaching lesson regarding this principle of faithfulness.  To begin with we must understand that the Jews believed Jesus was going to deliver them from the hands of the Roman Empire by some kind of take over or even by force.  Instead, Jesus kept teaching the people in parables preparing them for something greater to come which would ultimately include their own responsibility in his second coming.
In the parable of the Minas, Jesus discusses a nobleman that goes to receive his kingdom with the intent to return later.  While he is away he gives instructions to his servants to take the appointed money and "Do business till I come."  Now remember, these servants already had responsibilities and now they are being given more.  Not to mention this master is seen as an austere man or one that is severe in exacting judgment whether for the good or the bad.  I can imagine there were several things that went through their minds much like what is going through yours now.
 
1.     I am too busy to be doing this.
2.     Nothing I do is going to be good enough.
3.     Doesn't he realize I have a family and life outside of work?
4.     Why is he pushing off his work on me?
5.     I just don't have time for this.
 
Looking at the story from a bird's eye view may provide a little different prospective though.  Consider this.

1.     This was only a temporary assignment.
2.     The master provided the initial investment money to guarantee success.
3.     Some tasks are simply tests of loyalty.
4.     He is the master in charge of these servants.
5.     Some challenges make us better with prioritizing the things we do.

So what happens in the story?  Well, the nobleman returns to inquire about the work that the servants had done while he was away.  As they approached him, this is what he found out.  One servant turned one mina into ten.  Another turned one into five.  Both were rewarded with greater responsibility as a result of their service.  But then there is another servant that comes before the master and simply returns the same mina that was given to him.  And here is where the problem lies.

The servant's reason for not following the master's instruction was fear of his master.  The difference between this servant and the others was the type of fear they had in their master.  It seems the fear of the servants that increased their master's wealth was driven out of reverence and trust.  The fear of the servant who hid the wealth was driven by dread and lack of trust.   Is this not a picture of the Christian life as well as one's work ethic?

In the Christian life we have been entrusted with the gift of eternal life that should be shared with others to increase the kingdom of heaven and to satisfy the will of the Father.  Considering the work ethic of an individual we are many times given a little more to do to see if we can handle additional responsibility and advancement.  In both we are tested, stretched and sometimes even stressed.  But in both we can become better, stronger and entrusted with more.

In considering this parable do you trust the master?  A.W. Tozer once said, "Nothing twists and deforms the soul more than a low or unworthy conception of God."  So, what is your perception of your boss, better yet, what is your perception of God?  Paul says in Ephesians 6:5-9…

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.  Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.
We all will serve someone in this life but most of all we will all serve God.  If it be not His will it will be for His purposes.  So consider this well and in all things be faithful.  You never know the purpose of the trials you face, the people you serve or stretching of your faith.
Jon Langford