Fear and the 5 talents

Interesting Gospel this week ..... Matthew 25:14-30 .... a master handing out talents (gold) to his slaves for them to look after while he is away (ok that is the gist of it, just not written as eloquently as the Bible has it).  When he returns, 2 of his slaves have doubled what he left them in charge of and 1 slave has simply returned what he was given.  Dialogue takes place and the latter slave is taken to task because he did not do anything.  Seems he held back out of fear.  He did what he thought was right.  Turns out he should have risked, looked forward, showed initiative, showed enthusiasm and tried to impress his boss.  Much like an office situation. 

That is the short and simple version.  

But the fear part?  After the Bible Study class this gave me much food for thought.  When the word "fear"came out in the class, it felt like 20 shuttered windows slammed open simultaneously in my mind.  This thought stayed foremost in my mind for the rest of Thursday and all of Friday, late into the night. 

How do we let fear rule our lives?  Fear of failure, fear of others, fear of upsetting people, fear of causing dissension, fear of stepping out, fear of standing out, fear of ridicule, fear of harsh words, fear of so many things?

How often do we not try things because we are worried what people will say / think / be judgemental about?  When we might have been very successful. 
How often do we stand down to others because we are scared of the repercussions of speaking up?  When perhaps it would be good for the relationship.
How often do we not speak up when we have an idea in case we look foolish?  When that idea could be a very valuable one? 

I find myself guilty of all of the above. 
Will I work at it? Perhaps.  I would love to shout out a resounding YES, but I know that a little fear will always hold me back to some extent. 

I have an idea in my head.  For a project that would help people.  Not aimed at the desolate or underprivileged.  Not aimed at those in shelters.  But aimed at another group of needy people.  Those that find themselves struggling financially within our circles.  I want to work with those who carry it bravely in their everyday lives.  Our colleagues, friends, fellow church family.  People who we interact with regularly.  Because there is a lot of need in the strangest places. 

I have an idea of something I would like to be involved in. 

Now to just speak up.  

Go and read the Gospel ......... and be the one who had 5 talents and added 5 more. 

Take a Leap of Faith