Don’t Play It Safe
In Matthew 25, Jesus shares a parable about a master who entrusts three servants with treasure. Two go all in. Doubling what they’ve been given. But one plays it safe and buries the money. Afraid of failure, and afraid of his master,
he refuses to take a risk. The master was furious, exclaiming:
“That’s a terrible way to live! It’s criminal to live cautiously like that!”
That story isn’t just about how we handle money. It’s about how we live the one precious life each of us has been given. Jesus expects His followers to live boldly, take risks, and use everything He’s entrusted to us for the advancement of His Kingdom. Pastor Mark Batterson of National Community Church in Washington DC says, “Faithfulness is not holding the fort. It's storming the gates of hell and taking back enemy territory that belongs to God!”
This past week, the MLB Playoffs began. I grew up as a Cubs fan, but this season I found a player who is so fun to watch, even though he’s not a Cubbie: Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz. One announcer called him the most thrilling man in baseball, and I’d have to agree. His style, his approach, his aggression, his mindset, and his game are all electric! At 6-foot-5, this Dominican phenom plays with reckless abandon. In one highlight, I watched him steal second, third, and home—all in two pitches. He doesn’t hesitate. He doesn’t camp out at first base. He’s always moving forward, taking HUGE leads, taking ground for his team.
God gets the most glory when you are all in, using everything He’s given you. God gets the most glory when you’re running like Elly De La Cruz! That’s what the servants who doubled their master’s money did…they took a risk, but they doubled his investment, and they won his favor. It wasn’t a sure bet. Risk means sometimes you’ll get thrown out. But the real thief of electricity is fear of failure.
And that fear drains the vibrance of our lives.
Matthew 25 is a charge to live boldly, not bury what God has given us. We’re called to take leads, steal bases, and play offense in the game of life—bringing electricity and joy to every ballpark for the Kingdom.
When you get to know Jesus, you’ll know how to live and how best represent Him. Running free shows we know Jesus as He truly is. Holding back is not a picture of his character. Disciples and lions are meant to live differently. We are his visible, audible, follow-able representatives here on earth.
Run lion! The enemy won’t know what hit him!