Most of us are familiar with the parable Jesus tells of the three servants entrusted by their master with his money when the master goes on a trip, recorded in Matthew 25:14-30.

“The master gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.”

When the master returned, he congratulated and celebrated with the two servants who had invested the money (taken risk) and returned more, but scolded the one who buried the money.

The third servant said, “I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! …. “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 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.”

Jesus was describing how we should use everything we are entrusted with as we wait for his return. Whether the gifts we have are money, intelligence, influence, compassion, or others, we are to overcome our fears, and put these gifts to work on God’s behalf, without fear.

Dear Lord, help us overcome our fear of risking the gifts you gave us, to do your will, bringing you glory and sharing your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.