August 6, 2023 - INSCRIPTIONS FROM THE HEART

By Abby Cheng

IFH: August 6, 2023

If you've ever been asked to house-sit for a period of time, the general expectation is that when the homeowner returns, their house is in the same condition as it was when they first left. The house sitter can of course live in and use the house as they wish but they have to make sure to clean up after themselves, replenish any items that they used, etc. House sitters would not usually be expected to make improvements upon the house in the homeowner's absence. The same principle generally applies to any situation in which someone lends their possessions to someone else. We return what we borrowed in the condition that we received it.

This way of thinking is why I found this Sunday's parable to be a bit challenging. Why did the third servant get in trouble for returning exactly what his master gave him upon his return? Is that not what we're supposed to do when possessions are entrusted to us temporarily?

God didn't leave us in the dark about what he wants us to do with what he's blessed us with, though. We are commanded to make disciples of all nations, and to use the blessings He's poured out on us to grow His kingdom here on Earth. He wants us to be agents of change in the lifetime that he's given us rather than being complacent and maintaining the status quo. May we live boldly as faithful stewards of all that God has given us!