God Direction: Invest wisely and put it to work for you by risking it all.

I know this doesn't appear to be sound investment advice, to risk it all. It seems to go against the phrase invest wisely, but that is the lesson we learn in Matthew 25: 14-30

I've always been fascinated by this parable. It teaches in so many levels, all of which deal with what God has given us. We should ask what is God telling me right now? What does God want me to know and apply to my life?

The easiest thing that we can see in this parable is money. If we understand that the money and possessions we have were given to us by God to manage then things will go more smoothly. We should use it wisely and not throw any of it away or bury it. It is given to us to live on, to invest, grow and pass on to our children as an inheritance and also to give to charity for the spreading of the Gospel as well as helping those in need. We should be good stewards of the money and possessions that God has given us. Is this an area that you can improve on?

There are two other ways to understand this parable that I think are important. I am not saying that there is only two other ways, I don't want to box God and His Spirit in that way. One other way to understand this parable is our talents, the abilities and gifts that have been given to us by God. Some have been given more than others according to our abilities. Again we should use them wisely. Don't bury them and hide them but use them to the glory of God. We invest them and grow them by using them and developing them further. Do your best in your job and hobbies. Use them to help others and use them to point to Jesus. Is God asking you to use your talents more wisely?

The last understanding that I wish to discuss is that the talents stand for the Gospel and our faith. I believe this is the most likely meaning because it is sandwiched between the parable of the Ten Virgins, telling us to be ready for Jesus' return, and the parable of the Sheep and the Goats, a parable about the final judgment. In this parable God gives us the Gospel and our faith to invest and manage until His return. He expects the same from those who are given much and those who are given little. Notice that the first two servants risk all that God gave them, invested it and doubled it, but the one given the least was scared and buried it. Just because you have little faith or abilities doesn't mean you can't make a difference or are expected to do nothing. God has plans for you as well.

We should all wear our faith on our sleeve, so to speak. We should live our lives in a way that people see Christ in us. This should be done in our work and when we are out and about. We shouldn't bury it in the church or at home, afraid to let anyone know we are a Christian. We should witness to others by our actions and by our words. Yes, we all have a witness. We are all expected to point to Christ in our lives. How has God affected you? How does your faith shape the way you live? What areas have you failed in but asked for forgiveness for? That is the big area. In Christ we have forgiveness and hope in eternal life. Everyone needs to hear that message. Are you investing the Gospel and your faith? Are you using it to the fullest by risking it? Is God asking you to trust Him more and live for Him in a world that doesn't understand or even is hostile to it?

I must admit that I need improvement in all three areas. I like to waste money on things that have no lasting value, they produce short term fun and enjoyment but that feeling doesn't last. Don't get me wrong we all need to relax and enjoy ourselves from time to time but some things bring lasting enjoyment while others are a waste of time and money.

I also don't use all my gifts and abilities to their fullest. Sometimes I'm afraid to, what if I fail or people make fun of me. The same applies with my faith and the Gospel. I don't always act like a Christian or allow Christ to shine through me. I miss opportunities to witness through action and my words. Sometimes out of fear and sometimes because I place a higher value on my time in other areas. I am very thankful that God is full of mercy and grace and I can fall at His knees and ask for forgiveness and He keeps giving me more opportunities.

Let's pray: Father God, forgive me for not fully using the "talents" that you have entrusted to me. Reveal the areas I need to improve in. Help me to trust you more and to take risks in order to spread Your Gospel. In Christ's Name I pray, Amen.

¹The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (Mt 25:14-30). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.