Matthew 25:21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”
If you don’t know the context go and read Matthew 25:14-30 about three servants and what they did with what was left in their care while their master was away. At my church the “Well done, good and faithful servant” is often placed on the bulletins at funerals. At the end of it all we just want to think that someone felt like we did a good job in this life with our family and friends and work. I remember years ago hearing about a management strategy that told bosses to “catch someone doing something right.” I went to a seminar once concerning “appreciative inquiry.” A website says, “At its heart, AI is about the search for the best in people, their organizations, and the strengths-filled, opportunity-rich world around them.” The old saying goes, “you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.” Most people know they are a mess. This parable is about a servant who wasn’t good and faithful (read the whole thing). But what the Christian faith is all about is that through what God does in Jesus each of us has the potential to end up a “good and faithful servant.” It’s not a self-help program or positive thinking course. It is faith in what God has done through Jesus and a joyful embracing of living daily in that truth. Does being told “Well done, good and faithful servant” appeal to you? This week, how will you live to that end?
Logan Memorial Presbyterian Church 