In my prior post, “Listen to Understand,” I noted that listening to Jesus results in more understanding; not listening produces confusion.
This parallels Jesus’ teaching about the “talents” and the “minas” (both words refer to denominations of money). These parables, though differing in details (likely because they were given to different audiences at different times) have the same conclusion and message.
To those who invest their master’s money wisely, more responsibility (or money) is given; to those who fail to invest, what they have will be taken away.
Just as really listening to God results in more understanding of him, so too being faithful in the jobs he has given us results in greater responsibility and opportunity.
Many followers of Jesus desire to do great things for him, but before he gives us huge opportunities, we must prove themselves diligent in completing lesser tasks first.
When we are diligent in serving God, he rewards us with more.
[Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 19:11-27]
A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.
