The third servant of the Parable of the Three Servants received consequences for complacency. Matthew 25: 26 But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ [1]
The Master gave the third servant a strong rebuke. This was in great contrast to what he had told the other two servants: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”[2] The servant was wicked because his actions were a decision against the Master’s will. His inaction was unprofitable and useless. He had been lazy because he had failed to grasp the nature of his responsibility with what the Master had given him.
Stewarding Our Gifts
The Master had given his servants gifts with an expectation of some return. God entrusts us with His gifts expecting growth, and sitting idly by neglects His purpose and passion for our lives. There is always a temptation to be complacent, or smugly satisfied, with God’s gifts to us. We forget that God gives us our time, talent, and money to use for His purposes, yet we use them to build our own kingdoms instead.
As we can see with the third servant, there are consequences for refusing to use God’s investment in us for His Kingdom. God desires to work through us, His children, to accomplish things for Him here in this life on earth. If we think these gifts are just for us, or if we think God is harsh, we don’t understand God’s character. Having a wrong perception of God leads to wasted opportunities.
God’s Expectations
We must know what God expects when He gives us gifts so we avoid the trap of wasted potential in service to God.
Romans 12:6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.[3]
To learn more about the consequences for complacency, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faithfulness-with-what-is-entrusted
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.