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.

Sin: Disruption of Human Wellness

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Mark 5:5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.

Physical effects

• Severe bodily injury from repeated cutting: lacerations, blood loss, scarring.

• Exhaustion and weakened health due to constant crying and lack of rest or proper nourishment.

Spiritual effects

• Deep separation from God, or biblical order—symbolized by retreating into the tombs and mountains.

• Loss of hope or spiritual desolation, where suffering becomes an identity and replaces prior spiritual life.

Emotional and psychological effects

• Entrenchment of shame and self-loathing; self-injury as an attempt to cope with unbearable inner pain.

• Impaired ability to form healthy attachments or seek help, increasing isolation and worsening mental health (depression, anxiety, possible dissociation).

Illustrated is how sin is not just a moral failing, but a comprehensive disruption of human wellness. Sin fractures the entire human experience - breaking physical integrity, spiritual connection, and emotional stability. The physical acts are both symptom and perpetuator of inner brokenness: bodily pain temporarily externalizes inner anguish, but also deepens spiritual estrangement and emotional despair, creating a destructive feedback loop.

Call of Duty: Rescue the Perishing

The Call

The church of Jesus Christ is the multitude of all those who believe in Christ for the remission of sins, and who are thankful for that mercy and who love the law of God purely, and who hate the sin in this world and long for the life to come (William Tyndale: The Obedience of a Christian Man (1528)).

The Duty

Rescue the perishing, duty demands it—strength for your labor the Lord will provide;

back to the narrow way patiently win them, tell the poor wand'rer a Savior has died.

1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

The church of God is characterized by its hatred for sin and waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body while earnestly contending for the faith. This calling to submit to God's will includes a mandate to rescue those who are perishing, as duty and compassion demand.

The core message, you who are wandering without Christ, being aliens, there  is one of hope and redemption: a Savior, the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords; Jesus Christ has died for their sins, according to the scriptures, rose again according to the scriptures and through faith in Him, you can have forgiveness and eternal life. 

The Mission

This mission to rescue the perishing is both a duty and a privilege, made feasible through the grace and strength supplied by Jesus Christ.

The church is a called out assembly of believers who are intrinsically linked to the great commission to preach the glorious gospel that saves sinners. The gratitude and love that characterizes the church should naturally lead to a desire to spread the message of salvation with others.

• The longing for eternal life should inspire a sense of urgency in reaching out to those who are lost, reminding them that "a Savior has died" for their sins.

In essence, the church's mission is not just about personal salvation but about extending that grace to others…while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. This dual focus on soul winning and fellowship creates a holistic understanding of what it means to be part of the body of Jesus Christ.

Come and See

Evangelism: Heard the word...

John 1:40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

The Initial Discovery

Andrew, one of the first disciples to hear John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus, recognizes the Messiah and immediately shares that revelation with his brother Simon Peter. This moment illustrates two key principles:

1. Personal conviction precedes proclamation – Andrew’s belief is rooted in his own encounter with the message, not in abstract doctrine.
2. The first “find” is relational – He looks to someone already close to him, leveraging trust to introduce the new truth.

Your Position

• Fear of Rejection or Ridicule: You fear that others will reject or ridicule your beliefs, leading to feelings of embarrassment.

• Lack of Confidence: You feel that you are not knowledgeable enough about you faith or that you are not an effective communicator, leading to hesitation.

• Fear of Confrontation: Witnessing often involves sharing a message that challenges others' behaviors, which can lead to uncomfortable conversations, feelings and confrontations.

• Desire to Avoid Controversy: You prefer to avoid discussing sensitive or potentially divisive topics, such as the saving grace of Jesus Christ, in order to maintain social harmony.

The interconnectedness of evangelism, seeking and finding. Andrew’s swift response to John’s testimony demonstrates that the most effective initial “find” is relational, using trusted bonds—here, his brother Simon—to introduce and validate new truth. 

Spiritual Paradox of Profit

 

Actions Devoid of Charity

Generosity vs. Spiritual Sacrifice

Even if you performs extremely selfless acts, such as giving away all of your possessions to feed the poor and sacrificing your own life, if you do not have biblical charity does not benefit you spiritually. In essence, profit without a foundation of charity and faith and hope is worthless.

1 Corinthians 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Worldly Gain vs. Eternal Loss 

If you gains everything that the world could possibly give you but loses you soul in the process, you have made a terrible mistake. The question is, what could you possibly exchange for their soul, which is of infinite value? Material gain cannot compensate for spiritual loss..

Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

True profit is not measured by material accumulation or external success, but by the peace and safety of one’s soul in Jesus Christ made secure by the word of God--any worldly gain that compromises that inner integrity is a loss, not a profit.

Swift and Slow

James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Swift to Hear (Conscious Listening): 

means more than just waiting for your turn to talk. It's about active listening--When you listen intently, you seek to understand the other person's perspective, feelings, and intentions. This practice builds trust and strengthens relationships.

Slow to Speak (Compassionate Communication): 

means pausing before you respond--take a breath. This brief moment allows you to process what you have heard and formulate a thoughtful reply. It prevents you from saying something rash, or regrettable. It’s about choosing your words carefully to de-escalate a situation.

Slow to Wrath (Collected Emotions): 

is a direct result of the first two principles: swift to hear and slow to speak. When you actively listen and consider your words with compassion, you are less likely to react out of anger or wrath. This balanced practice helps you manage your emotions and respond to conflict with composure rather than rage. It's about controlling your emotions.

James 1:19 isn’t merely moral advice—it’s a roadmap to healthier relationships, wiser decisions, and spiritual maturity. By practicing these three steps, swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, you can transform every relationship, mitigate conflicts, and cultivate a inner peace. 

In a world saturated with noise and quick reactions, the call to you is to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath is more relevant than ever...let’s embrace the call today.

Your Faithfulness

Entrusted Gifts

The pound, disciples and the colt are all reserved for the master’s service; all are coupled together by sanctification and faithfulness--traits necessary for all stewards

The Parable of the Pounds establishes the principle that true commitment is shown through active, unashamed, unshakable obedience to the Lord's command. This isn't about grand gestures but about using what has been given to you. The disciples' actions provide the perfect example of this principle: they receive a direct, command and execute it without question or hesitation--unencumbered and unruffled focus, loose him and bring him hither.  The colt, unridden and unburdened, is freed from its mundane state and set apart or sanctified for the Master's service--there is no higher calling.

What the Lord wants...

God has no mystical scheme, he is looking for humble, unwavering obedience. Whether its you investing your time and energy or by obeying his command, your faithfulness pleases God.

God Who Is Rich In Mercy...and Love

Proverbs 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me
 
Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

God’s Initiative Love

The Lord your savior “is rich in mercy” and pours out “great love” toward us. His affection is the source, not the response, of our devotion.

The Lord, rich in mercy and delights in all who love Him; and those who rise early and seek Him earnestly will surely find His presence.

The fact is that while pursuing wisdom is a path to understanding, salvation is a gift of grace from a God who loves us. We love Him because He first loved us.  This distinction shows that while there are principles of cause and effect in the world, God's love and salvation operate on a different, higher level of grace.

Your Spiritual Maturity: Milk Vs. Meat...Yum

1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

 

2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

Diagnosis of Spiritual Immaturity

* **Milk**: Is the basic, foundational spiritual teachings. Just as an infant can only digest milk, new believers, or "babes in Christ," are only ready for the simplest doctrines of faith: 

-What is salvation?

-What is discipleship?

-What is the rapture?

-What is the church?

-What is the word of God? 

Paul's by inspiration of the holy ghost choice to "feed" you with milk indicates a necessary and fatherly approach, as you are not yet mature enough to handle more complex biblical principles.

* **Meat**: Is the deeper, more complex doctrines. Meat requires a stronger digestive system, and similarly, these advanced truths require a more mature, discerning spiritual mind. Paul states that he could not give you meat because you are not "able to bear it," implying that trying to teach them advanced concepts would have been unhelpful as you spiritual understanding is not yet developed.

Spiritual milk is the indispensable starting point for every baby Christian delivering the basics of faith in digestible form. However, a mature Christian, a true steward presses us onward to cultivate stronger “stomachs”, a more carnivorous diet for solid spiritual food, equipping us to stand firm in truth of the word of God.