2.4 Obedience Influences Success in Seasons and Assignments

The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more.  But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. Matthew 25:16-18, NIV

In this parable, each person receives a specific amount of gold, and each person makes very different choices.  All knew and understood that the master was entrusting them with his wealth. He expected them to act wisely with what they were given.

Two of the three men were wise and masterfully multiplied what was entrusted to them.  However, one was afraid he would make a mistake and anger his master, so instead of obeying and investing it, he simply hid his bag of gold in the ground. Nothing was gained.  Nothing was lost—or so he thought.  

Later, the master returns and richly and joyfully rewards the two men who wisely invested and multiplied his gold! But when the master approaches the man who merely hid the bag, he not only expresses disappointment, but he takes away the one bag of gold and gives it to the man who had five.  The obedience of the first two men led to their success and to their continued trust of the master and even greater success!

In the same way, our obedience greatly determines our success. What we do with our “bags of gold” (our time, talents, testimonies, and treasures) directly affects how much more the Master entrusts to our care.   As we listen to our Master, understand our assignment, and seize our season wisely, we too will be joyfully and richly rewarded by our heavenly Father!  

The “bags of gold” given to us by God deserve to be used for His glory! They deserve to be multiplied not hidden. God wants and needs us to use the things He has given us to bless and help the lives of those who need it most. Failure to do so will stop the flow of His blessings. Consistently and faithfully using our time, talents, testimonies, and treasures gives God a GREAT return on His investment in us!  

PRAYER:  Father, please forgive me when I hide and do not use the gifts and blessings You have given me. Please give me fresh vision and passion to use my gifts, talents, testimonies, and treasures.  May I be a faithful and obedient steward of all You have done in my life and all You have given me.  

COMMITMENT:  I will not hide my “bags of gold”! I will ensure God gains interest on the investment He has made in me!

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