Work The Process

Have you ever heard the parable of the talents?  In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the parable of a master that gave five talents to one servant, two talents to another servant and one talent to a third servant.  As the story goes, the servants who were given five and two talents were dedicated and produce more and was rewarded.  The third servant, who did not produce anything more, was punished and sent into darkness. In fact, the two diligent servants were identified as “good and faithful.”  Was it because they produced more talents or was it because they were obedient to their assignment?  In Corinthians 3:6-9, it coveys we do the work and God will give the increase!  The two servants were rewarded, not because they made more, but because they were, “faithful to work the process.”   The servant who was given one talent was called wicked and slothful (lazy).  A stark contrast - the ones willing to work were rewarded, but the one unwilling to work was rebuked. Dare I say, we should put our focus on being faithful to the process, and not focus so much on the outcome.  I am not implying the outcome is not vital and important, but we would never reach it if we were not persistent and committed to the process to get there.

“You don’t get results by focusing on results.  You get results by focusing on the actions that produce results.” Mike Hawkins

Each of us have been entrusted with something by God, and you matter to Him.  He loves you, He supports you, He is with you, He has enabled you.  Knowing this, as you start your day, do an honest self-evaluation of how you are managing the talents He has given you. Ask yourself, are you faithful to Him to WORK THE PROCESS He set before you?  Because He is faithful to you:

 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10