06
The 3 E's of Serving
Tim Savage26“‘Yes,’ the king replied, ‘and to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Luke 19
A tough master, 3 servants and money given to be invested. The servants each invested differently what was given to them, with 3 different results. The servants, who worked hard, took risks, were shrewd and used their ingenuity made impressive profits. The last was either too afraid of losing the money or too lazy to work at it and he was punished and the money taken from him. I think that if he had taken a risk, but lost the money he would have been forgiven and rewarded, the real problem was that he did nothing. So there are 2 metrics in this story – effort and results because the one who made the most was given the most to oversee. We often like to discount “the numbers” and the results, for some reason it just doesn’t seem Christ-like to focus on the results, but in this parable it’s clear that the numbers definitely matter.
I am reminded that I need to work hard, be creative, take risks, be shrewd and use ingenuity in sharing the gospel and living my life as a testimony for Him. My effort, efficiency and effectiveness are important. These 3 E’s don’t determine my salvation, but they are part of the equation that defines me as a follower of Christ on a mission to fulfill the great commission: 18Jesus came and told his disciples,“I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.19Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.20Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive me when I’ve been lazy in investing the resources with which You have gifted me. I hope to hear You say, “Well done my good and faithful servant,” when my time comes to stand before You.
In Jesus name,
Amen
