"Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money." - Matthew 25:14-18
In the book, "Purpose Driven Life" pastor Rick Warren wrote, "it's not about you - "You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense.” So many of make our new life about us. What we are going to get out of it - not what we are going to put into it. How we can manage our sinful nature - the hope of eternal life - not so much to be present with our creator but to escape judgment and hell.
The parables of the bags of gold is about using what you have been given by God for God and His purposes. Each of us has been given a place and a purpose in the Kingdom with the intention that we would fulfill our purpose for the glory of God and the good of others. The intent is not that we should just hunker down and live a comfortable life doing what makes us happy and fulfilled with only a token acknowledgement to the One who has called us and saved us.
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." - 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Every Christian has been empowered by God with spiritual gifts, "think bags of gold", that have the purpose of edifying the Body of Christ and bringing glory to God - a light shining the grace and mercy of God in the world.
"But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor" - 1 Corinthians 12:18-23
Some have received more gifts and some more visible gifts - but any gift from God is important. Someone once said that God said not call the equipped - He equips the called. What has God equipped you to do. The question I have for you is "Are you fulfilling your God-given purpose?" If not, what are you waiting for?
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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