In one of Jesus’ parables there are three servants who are each given a large portion of money to care for while their master is away. The first servant receives what equates to about a 100 years worth of wages. The second servant receives about 40 years worth of wages. The third receives about 20 years worth of wages. Although the first two “immediately” put the money to work and each servant doubles the amount received, the third servant doesn’t even try to invest. Upon the masters return, He commends the two investors, calling them “good and faithful.”

What is the opposite of good? Wicked! What is the opposite of faithful?  Here is a excerpt from the passage, see if you can figure out the answer :

“Then the man who had received the one talent came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’  His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant!…”

So what is the opposite of faithful?

LAZY!  Good is to Faithful as Wicked is to LAZY!

What are you doing with the gifts God has given you? Here are some excuses that people make for not using their gifts: “I’m too busy right now.” “I just have to start reading my Bible more and become a better Christian and then Ill start using my gifts for God.” “I just don’t have any talents or gifts.”

If your reading this that means your alive. If your alive it means you have been given at least one gift! No matter what excuse you try and make as to why you are not using your gifts and talents for God, it all comes back to one fact: If you are not using your talents for God you are either wicked, lazy or both!

For most of us, the fact is, we are just plain lazy! I recently heard a pastor tell the story about how he had been waiting until the last minute to prepare the nursery and the hospital bags for the arrival of their second child. Unfortunately for him, the baby came 6 weeks before the due date! They got to the hospital with no bags and went home to no nursery.  His lesson: “We only procrastinate when we know the deadline.”

We my fellow believers do not know the deadline. We do not know how many days we have left here on this earth. Let us not be caught in the dilemma of the foolish servant who failed to use his talents. Let us not be caught in the dilemma of the foolish ones who left to get oil and missed the return of the bridegroom. We simply can not afford to be lazy any longer! For the benefit of you and your world, “immediately” go and begin the work God has called and equipped you for.

If you really need some inspiration concerning the necessity to redeem the time, I highly suggest you listen to this phenomenal message (or right click to save it and listen to it later): “The Bema Seat of Christ”

(Also, check out the “Impressive Teachings” page for more messages that are sure to leave an impression.)