WHAT ARE YOU HIDING?

Today's reading: Matthew 23-25

"I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth and here it is." Matthew 25:25 NLT

Maybe you recognize this single verse from among the parable of the loaned money.

The master gave some of his hired men bags of money. One was given five bags of money and invested it wisely, doubling his money. The second was given two bags of gold, and did the same as the first.

But the third fellow?

The third fellow, who was given one bag of money, was afraid.

So afraid that he did nothing with his gift, but bury it in the earth.

He states he was afraid he would lose the money. He was afraid he would fail at the attempt. He was afraid he would let the master down.

Does this parable sting?

When applied to the good use you're making of all God's given to you, does it make you squirm in your seat?

Many of us are afraid of mis-using God's gifts.

Some of us are scared of ruining the name of Christ with our attempts.

A few of us consider it a better 'investment' to keep the blessings God has afforded us under wraps, keeping them in pristine condition--like baseball playing cards still in their unopened wrappers.

Spoiler alert: this hired hand, the one who hid his bag of money, was called useless and thrown into utter darkness by the one who had gifted him the blessing.

Know this:

1. The Master knows exactly who He is giving each and every gift to.

2. The 'gift' isn't the prized possession, the fact that we were given it at all is!

3. The trust our Master has in us is intended to enlarge His kingdom.

4. Burying our 'talents' disrespects our Master.

5. We are not capable of 'ruining everything' God has set in motion by doing something in error.

So, what are you doing with all He has given to you? What have you got buried? What in your life might need to be dug up, brushed off, shined up and used as an investment in God's Kingdom?