Part 7 of the “Parable of the Talents” Series
“Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. (Matthew 25:24 KJV)
Forget the Money, Show me the Relationship
This third servant had a considerably worse performance review than his two co-workers. Their efforts brought forth handsome returns. Upon reading the text, you get the sense that they were eager to show the Master the fruit of their labor.
Such was definitely not the case with the third servant. “Lord, I knew you to be a hard man …” indicates that the
depth of relationship that was present with the other laborers was absent with Number Three. His very words describe a successful Master who was generous to the point of allowing His servants to invest assets on His behalf (…I … hid your talent in the ground.).
If Servant Number Three had cultivated a relationship with his Master, His investment know-how would have rubbed off on him. This, no doubt, was the secret to the other servants’ investment accomplishments. It’s about enjoying relationship with the Master. This is the true key to success.
Can You Relate?
If you — or anyone — desire success in this world, you will have to nurture relationships with other inhabitants of this planet. The Lord has set it up so that you can not make it on your own. Making money, for example, involves the exchange of goods and services between people and/or institutions (groups of people). You may be really good at setting up barriers between you and everyone else but by doing so you are building walls that hinder you from the fulfillment that your spirit craves. The Lord has set the solitary in families (Psalm 68:6). There are probably people around you that can help you (and vice versa). Make the effort to develop relationships with others. Be friendly! (Proverbs 18:24)
It has been said that those involved in friendships tend to be healthier. I think we can make the case that friendships also help us become wealthier. When you come right down to it, regardless of the size of your bank account, our friends enrich us.
How are you getting along with the Master and His servants?
Related posts:
- Talent for Wealth: Digging is Not Good Exercise
- Talent for Wealth Multiplication
- Talent: Fear Not & Be Wealthy
- 5 Stock-Picking Tips From the Bible
- Talent Management Tip: At Least Act With Interest
- Talent For Putting God’s Money to Work for You
- Talent for Multiplying: Heavenly Returns
- God Distributes Wealth Where He Sees Fit
