In the third installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, there is a scene where Gandalf approaches Lord Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, who rules over Minas Tirith in the absence of the true king of Gondor. Denethor has grown accustomed to being in charge of the kingdom. When faced with the reality of losing his miniature throne to the rightful heir, he digs in his heels and refuses to acknowlege Aragorn's lineage. His stubbornness results in his demise. He had been given the task to manage that which was not rightfully his, and yet he clung to it though it did not belong to him.
We do the same thing. We are charged by God to manage that which He has blessed us with in a wealth of resources and talents. And yet, too often, we cling to that which does not belong to us. We are but managers or stewards. Eventually the heir will call in account as to what we have done with what we have been given. There are a number of passages in the scriptures that speak of this. One of the most notable is the parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. The Master leaves for a time and leaves varying amounts of money (talents) to his slaves. When he returns, he demands to know what has been done with what they have been given. Some are found faithful and fruitful, others, experience loss and judgement.
What has God blessed you with? Time? Money? Family? Friends? His Grace? His Gospel? It has all been given to us to be used and given away. It is not ours, it belongs to the Master, and He will soon ask to be given an account. Don't squander his resources on that which is temporal. When He returns, let's be found ready and having been faithful with much, and he will reward those who have obeyed Him.
"For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away." (vs. 29)
1 comment:
Good post. hope your day tomorrow goes well. if you have time get a copy of "The Shack" and read it. Then let's get together for coffee.
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