Pete Scazzero has an incredible sermon you can listen to here on the parable of the talents. It has me dreaming big for myself, my community, and God’s kingdom! This is how it is stirring me…
What if we all believed we were worthy of love?
What if we believed God is pleased He created us?
What if we actually believed we were God’s masterpiece, given unique treasures that we alone can share with this world?
When Christ returns, as His people, we will all believe these truths to the core of our beings. Now we are but a dim reflection of our creator, then we will shine like stars. Our lives will radiate with His glory as He transforms us to perfection.
However, in this life we often settle for mediocrity, the status quo. We don’t want to pursue the greatness for which we were created. We choose the path of least resistance and we bury the very gifts we alone can share with this world.
We do this for lots of different reasons. Fear is a big one. Fear of not being enough, having enough, or of failure itself. Often we carry so much fear of making a mistake we never step out in faith (This is me!!). The risk of embarrassment or rejection is also present. We also have spoken and unspoken messages, often from our families of origin, that can keep us stuck and unable to become who we were designed to be. Messages like, ‘You can’t do that. Who do you think you are?’ ‘You are not enough.’ ‘Stop dreaming and live in reality.’
This doesn’t have to be where our story ends, disqualifying ourselves and settling for mediocrity! Let’s look at our hero’s of the Bible. David is an adulterer and murderer. Moses is a murderer. Jacob and Abraham are both liars. Jonah is racist. Jeremiah is depressed and suicidal. Peter rebukes God and is called Satan. Timothy has ulcers maybe from anxiety. John Mark deserts Paul. Thomas doubts.
And yet we hail them as hero’s. They are told ‘Well done good and faithful servant!’ What makes them different is they stepped out, trusted God’s goodness and generosity, even in the midst of utter failure, and shared their treasures with the world around them.
What’s if we all knew what our treasure was, valued it the way the Lord does, and used it to help the people around us? Our communities would be transformed. People wouldn’t be able to help but see the hope and the truth of the Gospel being lived out in our lives! Are you willing to step out and believe you have been entrusted with a valuable treasure? Are you ready to journey to see what your treasure is? Maybe you are already on this journey, what is your next step in investing your treasure in God’s Kingdom work?
Don’t get overwhelmed by the task that is before you. Our job is just to connect with our Heavenly Father. He does ALL the work. Simply make yourself available to Him. This is a life long JOURNEY. A marathon, not a sprint.
Below are links to posts that could help lead to some next steps. Before going any further I first encourage you to simply sit with the Lord. After a few minutes of silence ask him for your next step.
Blog Posts:
The Road We Are On 