In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus uses a parable about a man going off on a journey, leaving in his servants' care vast but varying amounts of money, to symbolize our service to God. And this once zealous witness realizes that she has been the "wicked, lazy servant" who was entrusted with the least.
I guess part of the reason that I don't witness to strangers as much anymore is that I don't know how. Or I tell myself that as a cop-out. Like, tracts or stupid formulas? Or relationships, that ever-preached key to the heart? What baout the people you pass every day? No relationship is going to come out of that... On the other hand, I would be rolling my eyes at an eager practitioner spelling out "the Bridge." I don't expect, especially in a city known for its artistic and intellectual culture, that sucha childish approach would really succeed in communicating anything to very many of its inhabitants.
But what about the people that I do have relationships with? Somehow, I feel like since my ministry to strangers has diminished, so has my ministry to loved ones. I can't see myself speaking Christ into any of my current relationships, aside from, maybe, my relationship with my boyfriend in which we both agree that we have especially neglected our mutual spiritual growth.
I am controlled by my fear. The "wicked, lazy servant" of this parable was controlled by his fear, too. He knew that his master was a "hard man" -- I honestly don't know what to make of the parts about harvesting where he didn't sow, other than maybe taking credit for or benefit from something he didn't do. (Which is something that you could probably feel like if you don't have your head on straight about God's activity among humanity. I mean, what all does He do around here, anyway? :guffaws: )
I know that I need change. I need prayer. And things have been getting better. But, as recent events have shown, I am still more apt to willfully submit to my fear rather than my Lord. If anyone is actually reading this, please pray that I can learn to obey no matter what foreseen -- or unforeseen) difficulties may be. Jesus bless you.
