Don’t Let the Fear of Failure Cripple You
Be Strong, Be Well — Saturday, June 26, 2021
Jesus’ parable of the talents, found in Matthew 25:14-30, tells of a wealthy property owner who plans to travel for a while. He leaves each of his servants an amount of money to be used in some way to benefit him, not them. One got five talents, another two, and another one.
Each one received an amount based on the assessment of the abilities they already had. However, on the day of accountability, the multitalented men were not commended and rewarded based on the amount they made, but on their faithfulness to do what they could with what was entrusted to them.
So, the problem with the one talent man was not because he didn’t make any money. Remember, he didn’t lose any either. He was condemned and rejected because he made no effort to use what he had. He did nothing! Why? He allowed the fear of failure to cripple him.
Here are some observations for us today. Although this parable deals with money, finances, and investments, we can also apply it to abilities, resources, and opportunities. We all have them. Some may have more than others, but everyone is expected to use what they have to better themselves to be more productive in the work of God’s kingdom.
There are only two options here. We can use what we have for the Lord, or we can refuse and fail. We won’t be judged in the end by some amount, either from our own calculations or by comparing ourselves with someone else.
“So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ” (Luke 17:10; read 5-10).
“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12).
We won’t be judged on what we could have done, but on what we did, even if we failed to accomplish what we wanted or expected. Paul faced all kinds of obstacles, adverse situations, and setbacks. But he was faithful to the Lord and kept pressing forward (Philippians 3:12-16).
God does not require of us what we cannot do or what we don’t have. He will judge us based on what we have and how hard we try to use it. —Chris