Purpose Over Perfection
The stress of life can often feel confusing as we so quickly transition from one stage in life to another. No matter what stage you are in, Christianity offers a blueprint we can always look back on to see God’s design for everyday living. In this series, we look to God’s “blueprint” in Scripture to see what it means to flourish no matter where life takes us.
Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30
Have you ever encountered a perfectionist? Someone whose obsessive-compulsive disorder demands that everything be "just right" at all times, or else the world is on the brink of collapse? Perhaps you find yourself in that position, grappling with anxious thoughts about the future and how your life will unfold. If that’s you, consider the words of Jesus in this parable as he describes the relationship between a Master and his servants.
The Master Goes Away
The story unfolds with the Master of an estate preparing for a journey. As he departs, he entrusts his estate to his servants. The word "entrusts" is pivotal in understanding their relationship—it speaks to the depth of intimacy and confidence between the Master and his servants. The Greek word used by the Gospel writer Matthew perfectly captures this, translating literally to "surrender." In essence, the Master "surrenders" his estate to these servants, believing fully in their capacity to manage his affairs and finances. The same is true of our relationship with God. He has entrusted your friends, your family, and even your workplace to you and fully believes in your ability to care for what is truly his.
Misconstrued Trust
Unfortunately, the story takes a detour as one servant misconstrues the trust placed in him. Instead of maximizing his "talent"—a form of currency in that context—and putting it to good use, the servant opts to bury the money and passively awaits the Master's return. Verse 24 reveals his reasoning: he perceives the Master as a "hard man," expecting his servants to toil while he reaps the rewards. Upon the Master's return, he is incensed by this servant's mishandling of his trust and deals out judgment.
The True Problem
Here lies the subtlety of the situation. The Master's ire isn't directed at the servant solely for failing to utilize the talent; rather, it's the servant's portrayal of him that stirs his anger. By anxiously squandering the Master's trust, the servant betrays their relationship, painting the Master as a callous, greedy figure. In truth, the Master desires to see his servants flourish regardless of their pursuits. This is the vision of God that Jesus imparts to his followers as they anticipate life in his absence.
Consider the freedom that comes with embracing this perspective. If you truly perceive God as someone who trusts you to make positive decisions and grants you autonomy over his estate, you're liberated. The Master delights in his servants exploring their potential, as long as they do so with his loving gaze in their hearts. In essence, God isn't a distrustful ruler poised to scrutinize your every move and punish missteps. Instead, the God of the Bible entrusts you with a life brimming with potential, rejoicing in whatever endeavors you pursue with the right understanding of him. He is your biggest cheerleader and he can’t wait to see what you do with what he has given you. And if you find yourself struggling then fear not, the irony in this parable is that the servants are never truly alone. Even with the Master physically gone, Jesus has promised his followers that the Holy Spirit will always be with them and the same promise is true for you.
In summary, this parable underscores the importance of trust in our relationship with God. Just as the Master entrusts his estate to his servants, God entrusts us with our lives, empowering us to thrive and grow. When we view God through a lens of trust and love, we find freedom to pursue our passions and fulfill our purpose. Therefore, we can plan out our lives with confidence knowing that if we truly have the right master in mind, then he will guide our steps and refine our heart’s desires so that we will always pursue the right thing for us regardless of the results.
Study questions:
Have you ever felt anxious about your future? What helped you in those moments?
How does the Master's trust in his servants reflect God's relationship with us?
What is your perception of God? Is he the cruel ruler described in this parable or is he someone who celebrates his servants efforts?
How does this parable change your view of God?
