by Joshua Rhoades
One definition of failure is “the lack of success.” Many times, one may have a fear of failing with a project or task, yet the greater loss is to not try at all. It is important to use the same definition of failure and success that the Lord uses because it will remove unneeded pressures and strain that will only hinder you from accomplishing your task.
In Matthew 25, the parable of the 3 servants being given talents by the master is given. The first two servants work and invest their talents and both reap bountifully. The third servant states in verse 25, “And I was afraid and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.” The third servant didn’t even try. In not trying, he showed disrespect to the master by digging in the earth and hiding the talent to not be used at all.
The first two servants had as much possibility in failing as the third servant. What was the difference? They took a step forward into the unknown and tried and the third servant spent more effort to not take a chance, than if he had.
How many times have we been afraid and froze? Fear can result in guaranteed failure. When we act in fear, we make poor decisions. The servant was afraid and dug a hole in the ground to hide the talent. What holes have we dug, to not use the talent we have been given?
We have a single rule that we practice in our home which is “Honor the Lord.” Our behavior, desires, practices, and decision making on an hourly, daily, weekly, and yearly basis is to Honor the Lord. In Matthew 25, I don’t read of the servants complaining of the amount of talent given to them. They simply took the talent that was given and after working with what they had, ended with more and the Master was glad. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. One man stated, “Movement causes friction.” May there be much movement on the part of the Christian to use their talents for the Lord! May we display Biblical boldness and defy the fear of failure and do a work for the Master!