As we build our lives we are also called beyond ourselves beloved. Christianity is not meant to be a closed off country club. There is an entire world that is bobsledding to the same hell you were heading to before God saved you. But modern Christianity can become so me-centric. We serve in ministry to be seen by men. To be applauded by men. Or even to be paid by men. Your labor is not unto men but unto God! And to each He has given some talent. Something that can be invested into the Kingdom as Jesus taught:
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In proportion to the abilities we have, God has given us something we are to invest for His kingdom. Maybe the person with five bags of silver is like a Pastor or Missionary. Maybe the person with two bags of silver is like a Ministry Leader. Maybe the person with one bag of silver is like a new Christian, still unsure of themselves. The amount we are given, we have no control over but what we do with it, is entirely up to us:
"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. Matthew 25: 16-18 (NLT)
We need to realize that God always has more for us. More to do. More responsibilities to handle. There is always another level that God wants us to go to for His glory in building His kingdom. The answer in this parable to the servant with five bags of silver highlights this principle:
"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! Matthew 25: 21 (NLT)
But what are you doing with the silver He has entrusted to you? Are you investing it in His kingdom so one day you too will hear "well done, my good and faithful servant..." Or have you dug a hole in the ground and hidden what God has given you?
Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen watch in vain beloved. Unless you are building on the solid rock that is His Word, you build in vain, on sand that will shift one day and fall with a mighty crash. Your labor for the Lord is both personal and collective. It must be ongoing and take no holiday for the hour is late and the laborers are few. I will leave you this Labor Day, with the Word of God...
