Giving an account to God sounds a little ominous. God loves us and died for our sins, but He will also call us into account for the gifts He has given us, including the gift of salvation. The Lord illustrates this in the parable of the Three Servants as He taught in Jerusalem during Holy Week.
In this story, three servants were entrusted with money while he was gone. The master gave one servant five bags of silver, another two, and the last servant was given one according to their abilities. Matthew 25:19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money.[1]
Giving an Account
While the master was gone, the servant with five bags of silver earned five more, and the servant with two bags of silver made two more. Matthew 25:21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’[2]
The third servant buried his money in the ground. His master rebuked him and gave consequences for his actions. Matthew 25:28 “Then the master ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more, will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’[3]
Why Was the Lord so Harsh?
As we examine what the unfaithful servant said, we see a person who made excuses and blamed the master, revealing a person who was self-centered and selfish. Matthew 25:24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ [4]
Our time, talent, and treasure are not ours; we are caretakers, not owners. When we misuse what God has given to us, we deserve punishment. Ultimately, the last servant discarded his most precious gift, the gift of salvation, and ended up in hell.
Jesus says the unforgivable sin is refusing the invitation of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit invites us to come to Jesus and place our faith in Him. Matthew 12:31 “So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven.[5] One day, you and I will give an account. Remember, it is never too late to come to Jesus as long as we walk this earth.
To learn more about giving account to God, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/parable-of-the-three-servants
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.