His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming, I should have received mine own with usury. (Matthew 25:26-27)
Many people who have been trained and taught in our current politically correct climate hear this story, and it bothers them. Some will say, “The servant was doing his job,” or “He didn’t steal anything or misuse the funds.” But God sees inactivity and slothfulness as wicked decisions because those attitudes come from a prideful outlook. It is not okay with God to do the bare minimum and get by. It means you see yourself as better than others or deserving more favor than those around you.
God expects those who follow Him to earn interest. Essentially, that means sowing and growing things. We are called to sow time and sometimes money into others to see them grow into who God has called them to be. We are called to sow into and actively grow the church God has called us to as good stewards.
This steward wasn’t even doing the minimum of what was expected. In the same way, many believers don’t even give their tithes and offerings, which is the minimum expected of them. Don’t expect God to call you and use you in extraordinary ways when you won’t even do the minimum.
Practical Application
Giving is a fundamental responsibility for Christians. We should give our tithe and offering and our time, talents, and effort toward kingdom purposes. Evaluate your level of giving in all those areas and ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you need to develop and stretch out in faith more.
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