Out on a Limb

How different our lives would be if we were free from fear! The lazy servant in Matthew 25:14-30 is a good example. You remember how the master went on a long trip and left different responsibilities with the workers. The ones that got the most worked hard and doubled their boss' investment. But the least talented was afraid and carefully hid his gift. When the master finally came back he was so pleased with the profitable help that he welcomed them into the rewards: "Come and share your master's happiness!"

But the lazy servant had all kinds of excuses for his fear induced caution. And the boss was upset: "That's a terrible way to live! It's criminal to live cautiously like that! It you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest." (The Message)

So the master had his responsibility given to the most profitable man who had risked the most. And he had servants "get rid of this 'play-it-safe' who won't go out on a limb". 

I find it interesting how fear and laziness goes together. (Proverbs 22:13 and 26:13) 

Lord, help us to reject fear in our lives and be willing to go out on a limb for You.