Read: Matthew 25:14-30
Our church lost a good friend a couple weeks ago. As I thought about this man and heard the words and tributes spoken, I realized that he epitomized the Christian life. Joey Mocaby was known to all, but maybe not for the reasons one usually attains notoriety. He wasn’t rich or powerful. He didn’t drive a fancy car (he didn’t drive at all!) or live in a fine house. The most outstanding thing about Joey was that he used the talents God gave him in a simple, unassuming way. A friend of his, Kim Randolph, spoke at his funeral. These are the words she used to honor his memory.
Simple: he had a simple life and a simple faith. He simply loved God.
Faithful: he was faithful to the church and its people, especially the kids and youth.
Genuine: he acted the same toward church members as he did toward those outside the church.
Humble: he never talked about himself unless you asked him.
Loyal: from the time he joined the church, he was loyal to every staff member. He was loyal to God.
Appreciative: he was always thankful for any gesture of kindness toward him, no matter how small.
In the above scripture passage, we read the story of three servants who were given talents to be used while the master was away. Two servants used their talents to increase the wealth of the master. One servant did not. He was afraid of the master and buried the talent he was given. He had not done even the smallest amount of work to increase what he was given, thereby increasing the riches of the master. Joey, in his own way, showed us how easy it is to use the talents God has given us to increase His kingdom. He did it in such a way that most might have thought he surely buried his talent. His strategy? He didn’t have one. He simply used what God had given him in the course of his daily life. He worked hard for each activity our church sponsored. He greeted us at the door each Sunday, brightening our day. He prayed for those in need and the needs of the various ministries of the church. He was concerned for the people around him. He loved and praised his Savior. Most of all, he was a witness of God’s love. He used his talent simply, but he enriched the kingdom of God mightily. I am quite sure the first words he heard as he entered the gates of Heaven were, “Well done good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
What about you? What talents has God given you that are lying around unused or buried beneath the everyday busyness of life? Or are you trying so hard to figure out how to serve God that you miss the simple everyday acts that could enrich the lives of those around you; kind words of encouragement, a caring spirit, love, work that eases the load of others and increases the kingdom of God? Most of all do you have a witness in word and deed that draws others to Christ?
As you read through the scripture passage above, take inventory of your own life. Make it your goal to use the talents given you to help enlarge the Master’s kingdom that you, too, may hear those precious words at the end of your journey here on earth, “Well done good and faithful servant!”