Be All You Can Be
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"26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ 28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." — Matthew 25:26–30
Rafer Johnson’s dream of a good life hinged on his athletic ability, even though he’d been told that a birth defect would prevent him from participating in athletics. He chose to deal with the defect as a simple setback rather than as a deal breaker. With the help of coaches and family, he not only won his battle but was declared the world’s greatest athlete when he won the 1960 Olympic decathlon.
Everyone faces obstacles, but the difference is in how we deal with them—the coping skills we choose to use. This applies not only in sports, but in living the Christian life as well. Like the servant in the parable above, many people cop out rather than press ahead. God gave us life to be lived in its entirety, for Him. We are called to invest all the skills and talents He has given us for His glory and honor. Anyone can find worldly escapes to the obstacles we encounter, but if we rely on the strength of the Lord, we will surely bring glory to Him in our coaching and in every area of life.
1. What are some obstacles you’ve allowed to hinder your commitment to Christ?
2. In what way is the parable of the talents more about faithfulness than abilities?
Extra Reading: Matthew 24:45–51
Heavenly Father, help me to stay strong in my commitment to You by carefully leading the people in my charge. Help me to be faithful with the talents You’ve given me. Amen.
