The Unprofitable Servant (Mt. 25:30)

Read Matthew 25:30.

In context (Mt. 25:24-27), "unprofitable" (Mt. 25:30) is not defined by lack of results but by lack of effort.  The Master did not give this servant a trust he couldn't manage (Mt. 25:15).  What's behind the lack of effort?

• Comparison with others.  Remember, you don't have another man's assignment, gifts, perspective, history, education, etc.  Faithfulness is about implementation before it is about increase.
• A skewed perspective of the Master.  Yes, He is exacting, but He is also fair and loving. Remember, He didn't have to entrust you with anything!
• Self-pity.  Your assignment isn't as glamorous as someone else's.  You get easily discouraged and believe subconsciously that you don't deserve success.  All you can talk about are failure and hardship.
• Laziness.  The assignment becomes about preservation rather than expansion.  You get easily overwhelmed, so you pull back and keep things safe and manageable.  You enjoy talking about hard work but that's all you do -- talk.
• Suspicion of the "successful."  You think that, somehow, others are in an ideal environment or have an unfair advantage.  It is actually envy that is at work here.  Because you are envious, you won't reach out for help.

Collision of Faithfulness (Ac. 3:1)

Acts 3:110 relates a miracle.  Where did it begin?  Was it when Peter and John noticed the beggar?

I think it had to do with faithfulness and discipline.  The supernatural followed the natural.  For Peter and John it seemed natural to be at the temple for the hour of prayer.  God's faithfulness then collided with theirs.

God doesn't have to add His "super" if you're not willing to provide the "natural."  Your faithfulness is a platform, an opportunity.  God cannot bless the faithfulness you didn't show.  Expect a miracle, but expect to have a part in it.  God doesn't have to use you, but many times scripts you into the plot.

Faithfulness in Little Things (2 Kin. 3:11)

Elisha's attributed claim was that he used to pour water on Elijah's hands.  That's an honorable task, else it wouldn't be mentioned.  Today we might think, "That's it?  That's your biggest accomplishment?"

Jehoshaphat knew something we easily forget.  Those who cannot faithfully administrate humble tasks cannot be trusted to bear the weight of more serious affairs.  Faithfulness in little things matters.  Those who won't be servants shouldn't be leaders.

God, help me never to be above the "little things."  Let me be a servant, like Elisha, whether or not that service leads to greater things.  The goal is faithfulness, not promotion.  Let me do what I do to please You.  That's enough.

Reputation and Responsibility (Neh. 7:2)

Reputation leads to responsibility.  High reputation leads to greater responsibility.  Low reputation leads to lesser.  Your reputation is determined by your record -- faithfulness to God and faithfulness to assigned work.  There is no shortcut to promotion.