But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. Mark 25:26-27
This morning I woke up earlier than usual, but instead of getting up, I stayed under the covers when our two small dogs jumped on the bed, and cuddled up, keeping me warm and cozy. My husband was getting ready to go to the office, but my schedule didn’t require leaving the house until afternoon. Later, I felt lazy for wasting time that could have been used for bible study homework, finishing this devotion and many other things. I thought, how many times have I not been a good steward of the resources, time, and gifts God has given?
In this parable, we see the master entrusting his property to three servants while he is gone…Mark 25:15 says, To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. The servants entrusted with more of his property (money) took the initiative to invest wisely and returned to the master double the amount they were given. But the third servant did not, and then used excuses when he returned the talent with no interest. It seemed he didn’t know the master but the master knew him well and saw through his excuses.
Scott Hubbard, a pastor at All Peoples Church, and graduate of Bethlehem College & Seminary, is a former NASA astrobiologist who helped establish the NASA Astrobiology Institute. He says, an ordinary person becomes a “sluggard” (slothful) one small surrender at a time, and laziness is often a result of habitually giving-in to “just a little more.” He explains that while ‘giving-in’ may seem harmless, it dulls the senses and leaves one with less pleasure, dignity, and self-control.
Slothful or sluggard in vs.26, and in several places in Proverbs describes someone who is not only lazy but lacking wisdom. It refers to spiritual apathy or a failure to act and utilize one’s talents, gifts and resources toward care, love, and faith – to be a light in the darkness.
Why did the slothful servant bury the talent? Was he fearful he’d unsuccessfully grow the master’s money–(just thinking of himself)? Was he lazy or apathetic, not wanting to do the work required to increase what he was given? Was he a procrastinator? What do you think after reading the parable of the talents? What was the sluggard servant’s end result?
Prayer today: Father, thank you for your grace and patience. Please help me be a good and faithful steward of the time and resources you’ve provided.
Deb Hill
EFCC Member