Last week I talked about how we need to be ready for Jesus to return, and how we need to be prepared for him to return at any time. I said that this week we would look at how we do that? What does it look like?
According to Jesus’ stories it looks very ordinary. Jesus said we are to do what he has assigned us to. That will be the kind of things that Jesus, himself, did. Things like feeding the hungry, curing the sick, welcoming the stranger, visiting those in prison, clothing the naked, serving the least and spreading the good news of the kingdom of God. So, being generous, being pleasant, being helpful, being hospitable, being available, being patient, … smiling, giving, speaking kindly, …
These are all things that Jesus wants us to do. Better than doing our own thing. If we live to please God, rather than just doing what we want, pleasing ourselves, we are less likely to find ourselves surprised when Jesus comes back.
One day, a long time ago, I had to go to a certain office on business. When I got to the office I found a note on the door: ‘Out to lunch. Back at 1pm.’ As it was nearly one o’clock I waited. And I waited. After quite some time the office lady arrived in a fluster. It turned out that she had gone to the nearby casino in her lunch hour and as she was crossing the foyer to leave, a man collapsed and died in front of her. Because she was on the spot and a witness she was there as people called the ambulance and tried to revive the man. Their efforts were of no avail and he was pronounced dead.
The office lady was really upset that the man died in a casino. She said over and over that she would not want to die in such a place. Now, what can you say to that? Do any of us know when we are going to die? No, you could die at any time and, hence, wherever you happen to be at the time. Therefore if there’s any place you don’t want to die don’t go there. Really it’s saying, ‘I don’t want it to be known that I was there.’ You can imagine the headline: ‘Man drops dead in casino’; the whole world’s going to know.
There may be things we do that we wouldn’t want Jesus to find us doing when he returns. Don’t do them. Of course, Jesus is not only watching us he is going with us wherever we go. So let’s only go where he is happy to go and let us do what he is happy for us to do. But use this principle wisely. Do not use it to abuse yourself or anyone else. Discretion is advised.
Using our gifts
God has given us a whole range of gifts, abilities, opportunities, resources, time and much else. The important thing is that we do use them. If we are faithful with all that God has given us, and use all these things for him rather than for ourselves, we will receive his thanks and congratulations. Do nothing with what he has given us and we will find ourselves with nothing.
In the reading from Matthew 25, the first man was given five thousand gold coins because the master knew he would cope with five. He went off and used his five well and made five more. What did the master say when he came back? ‘Well done, you good and faithful servant.’
The same thing happened to the man who was given two thousand gold coins. He made two thousand more, so what did the master say to him? ‘Well done, you good and faithful servant.’
The master expected the man who was given one thousand gold coins to use his money, too. The master knew what the servant could do. Likewise, God gives us gifts that are right for us. God doesn’t call us to do things we can’t do. He doesn’t expect someone who is no good at maths to be an accountant.
The man could have done something with his money. Was he lazy? Did he think his gift wasn’t good enough? Was he jealous of what the others had? He said it was because he was afraid of his master, in which case he should have had the sense to do something with the money so that his master wouldn’t be angry. By trying to avoid doing the wrong thing with the money he didn’t do anything right either. If we don’t use God’s gifts, nothing good will come.
Using our gifts while we wait for Jesus
While we wait for Jesus to return, how can we live for him? The passage from Matthew 24 reminds us that we’re to do the things that Jesus has assigned to us. This covers everything from how we live every day, how we treat people, to the special tasks we do on our own and the ones we do together, say in a ministry team.
The terms ‘gifts’ and ‘talents’ refer to things that God has made us good at. He wants us to be good – like Jesus – and he wants us to put our abilities to good use. What are you good at? and what does God want you to do? Has God told you to do a particular thing? Maybe it’s a matter of being mindful of Jesus’ general instructions as we go about our lives – treating people right and that kind of thing, as we are able, and doing something (however small) about the big issues issues of our world.
Maybe you’re already using your gifts well for God. In which case, be on the lookout for he might trust you with more. But whatever you’re like, do something good with what God has given. And be faithful with your gifts. Don’t give up if things go wrong. The master didn’t get angry because the man tried and failed, but because he didn’t try at all. As you wait for Jesus to return, use your gifts well and faithfully. When Jesus comes back, you want him to say to you, ‘Well done, you good and faithful servant.’ It feels great when people say ‘Well done’. Imagine what it will feel like to hear Jesus say it.