In the Christian life, ability is developed through application. Even granted that one is given spiritual gifts, the effectiveness of such often grows as one applies them responsibly. The lazy non-application oriented Christians thus tend to not have much ability. Rather they tend to go to church and pay the pastor to do their job for them. They even use their lack of ability as an excuse for not serving.
The lazy servant called his boss "Master", but then insulted him claiming he stole what he didn't produce. In other words, the servant felt that if he invested the talent, he should get the increase and not the Master. But since he figured he wasn't going to get anything out of it, he didn't work to invest it, not even a little. The bankers may be likened to investing your resources in other people's ministry. Often institutional churches give the impression that this is the only option of ministry for the lay-Christian.
I suppose also that there are many Christians with the attitude, "I'll serve Christ, but only if I get something out of it." And many will not do Christian ministry unless they get paid for it. And they treat the resources God has provided them as their own. Many call Jesus Lord, but how many treat him as if He is Lord?
In the end, those who submitted to their master, acting responsibly with the resources he provided, were greatly rewarded, while the lazy one was condemned. Don't be deceived. One cannot be saved by receiving Christ as Savior only, but must also accept him as Lord. And not just in word, but in deed. For our deeds reveal our true convictions.
The resource was also taken from the lazy servant and given to the one who proved most able and responsible. And that's the way it should be - God giving more responsibility to those who prove more responsible.
A man went away but left his servants some money
"Talents" they're called, though that may seem funny The master gave to each as he thought best Not for themselves but for them to invest To those who have proven to have ability He gave more money and responsibility To one he gave five, to another two And another just one (what did he give you?) He went on his journey and then he returned And met with his servants to see what he earned The one he gave five had made five more "Good work faithful servant," he said as he swore To put him in charge of many things And see what rewards his happiness brings The man who had two also gain two "Good! I'll give the same to you" But the man who was given only but one When asked what he earned, his profit was none. But then he began to make an excuse "You take what you did not produce So I was afraid and hid in the ground That talent you gave." He said so profound The master replied, "You're wicked and lazy. I'm not stealing from you, are you crazy You don't want to work? Then put it in a bank. You could have earned interest, if I may be so frank Take the talent from this man and give it to the other The man who has ten talents and not to his brother For everyone who has, more will be given As for this man, he will not be forgiven Throw him outside where it's dark as night Let him weep and gnash teeth and have no sight. |