He becomes poor that deals with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent makes rich (Proverbs 10:4)
Jesus discussed this matter in the parable of the talents: For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoned with them.
And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou delivered unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou delivered unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strayed And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knew that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Mat 25:14-30)
The lazy believer
When someone says, that he/she is a believer, but doesn’t do anything with what God has given to him/her.
When a believer:
- doesn’t spend time to the things of the Kingdom of Heaven, and seek those things which are on this earth and not the things which are above; in heaven,
- doesn’t read and study, the Word, and therefore cannot apply the Word into his/her life,
- doesn’t or hardly pray (in the spirit) and isn’t persistent in prayer,
- doesn’t obey the Lord, don’t submit himself/herself to the Lord, and therefore doesn’t serve Him,
then he/she shall not grow up into the sonship of God and shall become and stay spiritually poor. The believer shall not fully get to know the Lord, just like the servant with the one talent, who thought that he knew his lord, but in reality, he didn’t know his lord at all. Because of that he lost everything and was cast into the outer darkness.
When a believer is slothful and lazy and doesn’t do anything with what God has given him/her, then the Lord shall eventually take everything away from him/her.
The diligent believer
But when a believer is fervent in spirit, awake and diligent with what God has given to him/her.
When a believer:
- spends time with God, and is busy doing the things of the Kingdom of God, and seek those things which are above, in heaven and not those things which are on this earth,
- studies the Word of God and apply the Word to his/her life,
- is loyal and fervent in prayer (in the spirit),
- is obedient to His Lord, submits himself/herself and serves Him wholeheartedly
then he/she shall spiritually mature and grow up in the sonship of God, and shall become (spiritually) rich.
What do you do with your talent?
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which you have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Heb 6:10-12).
Just as Jesus described in the parable of the talents, the Lord shall judge every man according to his/her works (Mat 16:27, Rom 2:6, Op 22:12). God has given everything to the new creation (the new man), who is created in Jesus Christ. But it’s up to him/her, what he/she does with the inheritance.
Therefore don’t be slothful and lazy, but stay awake, and be steadfast in the faith. Be patient and diligent. Love the Lord above all, and serve Him, with everything that He has given you. So that you will become rich in Him and glorify and exalt Him.
“Be the salt of the earth”
