The Lazy Loafing Steward; A Recipe for Peril

Thou Art An Austere Man

Luke 19:21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.
22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?

Luke 19:21, Jesus is telling a parable about a nobleman who entrusted his servants with his wealth before leaving for a distant land to be crowned king. Upon his return, he assesses the performance of his servants.

One of the servants had simply buried the money given to him, rather than investing it or earning any return. When the nobleman returns, he rebukes this servant.

In essence, the nobleman is expressing disappointment that the servant did not take even the minimal step of putting the money in a bank, where it could earn interest. This would have at least generated some return on the investment, symbolizing the expectation that you are responsible and must make the most of the resources entrusted to you.

You might be a lazy Christian if you, while claiming to follow Christ, you fails to actively engage your faith or make an effort to grow spiritually. 

A Lazy Christian

A "lazy Christian" is anyone who, like the servant in the parable, fails to use their God-given resources and opportunities to please the Lord. This laziness can manifest in several ways:

• Fear of Commitment: Similar to the servant's fear, a lazy Christian might avoid taking on responsibilities or challenges in their faith out of fear of failure or discomfort.
• Lack of Initiative: Instead of seeking out ways to serve God, a lazy Christian may wait for opportunities to come to him, missing out on the blessing and growth that come from proactive service.
• Misuse of Resources: A lazy Christian might squander the resources God has given him, failing to invest in ways and means that honor the Lord.

For Christians, the message of this parable is clear: God expects you to use your resources wisely and productively. You are called to be good stewards, not lazy, pathetic or fearful, but proactive and faithful in your service to God. By doing so, we will have a good testimony before God and man.