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Don't Be A Wicked Sloth!




 Jesus tells us of a wealthy man who was going on a trip and left charge of at part of his holdings to three employees, one of whom received five talents, one two talents, and one just one talent. They were to invest and work with these sizable chunks of money until he returned.

When he returned, he called the three into account for their dealings. The man with five talents had gained five more. The man with two talents had gained two more. Both were praised with a "well done" and put in charge of "more". However, the man with one talent to invest came forth with the excuse of how he feared the master and told how he buried his one talent in the ground so that he could at least give that back when the master returned. He was chastised for his lack of courage and called "a wicked sloth."

Two years ago and again this year, I told this story to my cross country team before our last two crucial meets of the year, conference and state. I went so far as to point out a kid or two whom I felt had five talents. I mentioned a few who equivalent of two talents. I even alluded to the fact that some in the room had only one talent. The room was silent. I went on to explain that life isn't about equal talent; it's about equal opportunity to invest, and anyone who would be afraid to invest what they have is truly a "wicked sloth."

The speech almost backfired on me. My boys became so nervous and pumped up that they nearly lost a race we knew we could win. One young man, a senior, came up to me afterwards and apologized by saying, "Coach, I'm sorry I didn't run better, but I was just too nervous. I didn't want to be a wicked sloth."

Oh that more of us would be nervous about being wicked sloths. In a world filled with "talent" and "potential", sloths abound. Maybe it's due to laziness or apathy, but I don't think either one is at the root. Like the parable, it's most likely due to fear of not being able to measure up to the expectations of the master, whomever that master is thought to be.

This fear of failure can be overcome if grace is understood. Number one, there is grace in knowing we are not equally talented. No two are alike and expectations differ for all individuals. There is also grace is knowing that there is no penalty for trying hard and failing. I don't believe anyone would be chastised in the parable for "going for it" and not quite getting there. Effort seems to be the key to success, not the bottom line of how much money was made.

Everyone can learn about their gifts and limitations. Everyone can try hard to use those gifts in the context of those limitations. Everyone can go for it. The bottom line of the parable is that no one has to settle for being a wicked sloth. We all can hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." All Jesus asks for is our best shot.



About the Author:


 Steve Graner is a Christian educator and familyman employed by the Minot, ND Public School District. A licensed laypastor, he is passionate about Christian writing and Christian drama. Along with family and friends, Steve has performed numerous self-written dramas and musicals for area church audiences.