In an earlier post, the temptation of envy was introduced. Envy is a constant temptation for us. We would do well to remember the core principle of the parable, which is faithfulness.
I believe there are times that we prefer usefulness over faithfulness. Take, for example, this blog post. My preference is that my books and blog be very popular. If my material was popular, it would become a passive income stream. Likewise, in my business pursuits, my preference would be regional and national notoriety, which is often accompanied by increased income.
The focus in both situations is usefulness. The more useful we are, the more we feel we have accomplished.
However, this is not how success is measured in God’s economy. Take, for example, Abraham and Isaac. Abraham was about to end his son’s life, thereby eliminating Isaac’s usefulness. Christ suffered and died on the cross at a young age, as did others such as John the Baptist.
The parable turns on faithfulness. Our righteousness before God is not measured in usefulness but in faithfulness.
Four or five years ago, I attended a retreat, during which I saw something I had not noticed previously. The leader was discussing the life of Abraham, and for the first time, I noticed the theme of the “righteous choice.” In the world’s eyes, the two faithful servants probably could have been more useful with the talents entrusted to them. However, the righteous choice was love for and faithfulness to the master.
With faithfulness at the core of the parable, the measurement is no longer usefulness but obedience. Taking another look at trustees and the prudent investor rule, the focus is not upon the trustee’s own wealth but on the trustee’s improvement of the assets belonging to another.
Put another way, we often lament that we lack opportunity. If only I had particular opportunities, my business pursuits would be expanded. However, in God’s economy, we are not measured by the number of opportunities but upon faithfulness to the Lord.
It is easy to feel that we are not useful. The story of Frank Jenner in Australia is relevant here. His is not the only one, however. Hans Egede in Greenland and many other missionaries would tell similar stories. It is estimated that Frank Jenner spoke with more than 100,000 people about Christ. Toward the end of his life, he was ill and discouraged because he knew of few results from his labor.
We look at usefulness, and desiring to be useful opens the door to envy. If only I had a different station in life or more opportunities, I would be more useful. Late in Frank Jenner’s life, Frank Dixon in England had been hard at work collecting stories of people who had come to Christ as a result of Frank Jenner’s faithfulness. Dixon found that several had become world travelers or had started ministries which themselves touched many lives for Christ.
When Frank Jenner presented himself faithful to Christ, the usefulness of the work is left up to the Lord. Hans Egede was faithful but saw few results from his mission work. However, his son continued the mission work started by his father and reaped great rewards.
We can deceive ourselves by thinking we could do more if we had different opportunities. This leads us to overlook the advantages and means of good currently at our disposal. Being led in fond desires after imaginary opportunities does no good at all. Such deception becomes an excuse for laziness which aggravates the slothfulness. Further, we must remember that the tempter gains ground through deception.
Set aside usefulness and opportunities. We would do well to allow the Lord to confirm in our hearts that we are being faithful. We should also consider whether we have simply been faithful. The Lord may not see fit to show us the outcome of our faithfulness. However, our task is to rest in the Lord’s reward of our faithfulness.
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