Did you put the work in?

‘The servant who had received five thousand coins came in and handed over the other five thousand. “You gave me five thousand coins, sir,” he said. “Look! Here are another five thousand that I have earned.” “Well done, you good and faithful servant!” said his master. “You have been faithful in managing small amounts, so I will put you in charge of large amounts. Come on in and share my happiness!”‘ (verses 20,21)

Read Matthew 25:14-30

After my first big failure, a friend asked me, ‘Did you put the work in?’ I realised that I hadn’t, and I knew I could do better. When my efforts again turned to failure, I realised I couldn’t have done anything to stop it – I had put the work in. When things went well, I also felt like I couldn’t take the credit. I just did the task that was prepared for me and for some reason it worked.

This Bible passage seems like a criticism of anyone whose work doesn’t seem to pay off or who isn’t climbing the corporate ladder. But all Jesus wants from us is that we put in the work as best we can with the resources he has provided. In the words of Charlie Peacock, ‘Over and over I must learn and relearn, that whether I decrease or whether I increase is not my concern’. The good and faithful servant does what he or she can with the gifts God has given and leaves theresult up to God.

God will reward your faithfulness, regardless of how much profit you made. He trusts you with the abilities he’s given you. May you glorify him by being a good and faithful servant.

My Lord, thank you for entrusting me with the gifts you have given. May I serve you faithfully today. Amen.

by Jorg Ernst in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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