A “Whatever” Attitude
Scripture Reading — Joshua 9:1-15; Matthew 25:24-30
Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance.
Today many Christian believers will attend church and hear the good news of the gospel. We acknowledge that even though we don’t deserve it, God in his grace has poured out the gift of salvation on us. In response, Christians offer sacrifices of praise. They also ask God to sustain them in their daily walk so that they will not be careless with God’s gifts.
Through Joshua God gave Israel the land he had promised to Abraham centuries earlier. And the servant in Jesus’ parable had received a gift from his master. These gifts did not come without responsibilities, however. The gift is like a seed that must be cultivated to grow and provide abundance. Joshua and Israel were careless with the Gibeonites’ deception. Failing to consult God, they were slothful, like the servant in Jesus’ parable who buried his master’s gift.
Careless cultivation of God’s gifts prevents the blossoming of the good news of the gospel; spiritual laziness, a “whatever” attitude, makes it difficult to praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Spending time in worship with God’s people is a good opportunity to be surprised again by the good news of the gospel, and to exchange a “whatever” attitude for the deep joy of praise for forgiveness.
Are you praising God today?
Father, forgive us for the carelessness with which we have handled your gifts. Help us to respond in gratitude and praise. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
About the author — Arie C. Leder
Dr. Arie C. Leder is the Martin J. Wyngaarden Senior Professor of Old Testament Studies at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He previously served as pastor at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church, Trenton, Ontario, and with Christian Reformed World Missions in Latin America. He teaches courses on the Pentateuch and on historical books of the Old Testament.
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