What Are We to Do with The Pounds?

Luke 19:11-27
 
The Jewish people actually expected a political leader who might set up a natural realm and dispose of Roman control. In this parable, Jesus' was showing that his realm would not immediately become like this. In the first place, he would return after some time had passed, and his supporters should work, and they would need to be reliable during his time away. Upon his return, he would introduce this new Kingdom they were anticipating.
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This story tells of a certain nobleman who received a kingdom. This story showed the followers of Jesus what they were to be doing during the timeframe when Jesus would leave and his Second Coming. The followers were to be unwavering and fruitful during while he was gone. Since we live during that timeframe, it applies straightforwardly to us. We have been given incredible assets to assemble and extend God's Kingdom. Jesus anticipates that we should utilize these abilities, so they duplicate, and the Kingdom develops and grows. He wants each of us to report and explain how we managed the gifts that he gave. While we are waiting for the Kingdom of God to come in glory, we must be doing the work that he gave us to do.
 
In verse 13:
The nobleman tells the servants to “Occupy till I come.” That means the servants were to work. (1 Peter 4:10-11)
 
In verses 16-19:
These men report to the nobleman what they had achieved with what had been given to them. Each time the Lord was pleased with the results of their labors. However, our integrity frequently meets its match regarding money matters. God considers us to be straightforward and honest even in little subtleties that we could defend away. Heaven’s riches are more important than the riches and wealth here on earth. (Luke 16:10)
 
In verses 20-27:
This man did nothing with what was given unto him. The Lord punished him for his lack of obedience. He states that the man condemned himself. (Job 15:6; Matthew 12:37; Titus 3:11)
 
For what reason was the nobleman so hard on this man who had not expanded the money? He rebuffed the man since (1) he did not have the same interest in the kingdom as did the master, (2) he did not confide or trust in his master’s expectations, (3) his solitary concern was for himself (selfish), and (4) he did not do anything to utilize the money. He just held on to it and he did nothing. (Matthew 13:12; Mark 4:25; Luke 8:18)
 
A church is like a family. Each member is different with his or her own identity and personality. No two members are exactly the same. They may have similarities, but they are different. Each member has a different job or assignment to perform. Again, they may have similarities, but each is different in what and how they perform their task. This does not mean that one person is better than the other just based upon the task they have been given.
 
Let us take a moment to meet a group of people that might be in the local church body. Granted, we may know some people like this group, but we should not be pointing fingers at someone else, however, we are to look inside ourselves.
 
Meet the Tater Family:

• Dick Tater – This person is always the boss. He or she tells everyone what to do and wants to be in charge.
• Speck Tater – This person does not get involved. He or she only sits back and watches everyone else do the work. He or she is the first to criticize and is usually lazy.
• Emma Tater – This person worries more about what to wear than what goes on in the church. They worry more about how to be like someone else, busy copying things, and put on an act.
• Agi Tater – This person likes to stir things up thing and does more to contradict people.
• Common Tater – This person just talks all the time. He or she has something to say about everything and gives play by play reports.
• FaSilly Tater – This person wants to coordinate discussion but does not get involved.
• Medi Tater – This person thinks about everything but does nothing.
• Instant Tater – This person wants things done right now and easily gets impatient.
• Sweet Tater – This person always talks nicely, never gets mad, or lets their feelings get hurt. He or she may display good fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc. But is it sincere?
• Tater Tots – These are the young ones that watch older ones. They learn from the older ones about how to be and do. What example are they being given?

 
Like the nobleman in this story, God has given us gifts to use to support his Kingdom. Would we like to see the Kingdom develop and grow? Do we confide in God to rule and govern in a fair manner? Do we have concern for other people’s welfare as we do for ourselves? Do we faithfully use what God has given us?
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God has given each of us something to work with. We have been given instructions and resources to build and expand God’s Kingdom. Have we used our talents (pounds) to multiply the Kingdom, or have we just held on to it?