By Pastor Bob DeKlavon
A man was talking to another man and asked: ‘say, have I ever told you about my grandchildren?’
“No, and I cannot tell you how thankful I am for that!!”
Undoubtedly, you have heard the saying that:
“If I knew grandchildren were so much fun, I would have had them first!”
My grandchildren provide me with a variety of emotions and thinking.
Sometimes, they say things that are BOTH funny and thought provoking.
So it was, earlier this week, when Malachi {3 years old} and I were ‘building a bridge.”
This was being built out of Legos and Malachi is at an age where he can now connect pieces.
He connected a piece and without blinking an eye he said:
“I did it! Say: ‘good job, Malachi.’”
Well, in between stifled laughter and wanting to encourage him I said the words he wanted me to say.
Several times in our building venture—he repeated the same thing.
“Say: ‘good job, Malachi.’”
Each time I had the same reaction as we went about finishing our project and ‘a job well done.’
By now, you probably know where this is headed.
Christians look forward to the day when the words Malachi desired to hear will be said of us.
It is in Matthew’s gospel, chapter 25 that we hear Jesus commending those servants who did well.
In what is called “the parable of the talents”--different servants are given riches by their master.
One is given 5, one is given 2 and one is given 1.
The ones with 5 and 2 invest their talents and they get more.
It is to them that the master says the words with which we are so familiar:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
There are a couple of thoughts that strike me from this account and maybe you have seen them too:
ONE—each servant is given a different amount.
In other words—everybody does not get the same.
TWO—each servant is judged for what THEY have—not for what someone else has
I take great comfort in the fact that I will NOT be judged compared with Billy Graham.
God has given me what He wants me to have and for that I am accountable.
THREE—each servant has the same opportunities
In other words, we take what we have {little or much} and we invest it—all can do this
FOUR—each servant hears the same words
This is similar in thought to #2 but it is comforting to know that we all hear the same
FIVE—each servant is rewarded for faithfulness—not for perfection
We know we are not perfect but that should never be an excuse for not being faithful
When we look at what God rewards—
we find that it can be something as simple as offering water in His name.
It does not take much talent to do that but, guess what? In so doing—we hear: “well done!”
In this time of uncertainty—will you reach out to others in whatever way God gives opportunity?
You won’t even have to ask Him—He will just say: “good job.”