If I don’t have my badge on me, it makes for a long day because everywhere I go, I need someone to help me get in.

Fortunately, the little pocket in my purse ensures I keep it secure, and it’s on me by the time I get out of my car. So far, I’ve been good!

Why do they need that type of security, anyway? Why can’t anyone just walk in?

Well, the company has decided that an employee must meet certain criteria to be able to enter.

I remember my first day of work when I was issued the badge…and the first time I saw the green light as I scanned it on the pad.

The door opened, and I felt a foot taller.

Most of all, I felt a sense of gratitude as I walked in. Because badge access meant they trusted me.

Even today, I wear it like a badge of honor.

But it also means more expectations and more responsibilities. And I feel that too. Everyday.

If they threw out badges like it was candy, it wouldn’t bear the same kind of weight.

I had to prove myself to get it.

There were three servants that had to prove themselves in Matthew 25.

They were entrusted to their master’s wealth as he traveled, and he gave to them according to their ability.

They weren’t given anything that was over their capability, as Dr. Tony Evans says in his commentary.

The first got 5 bags of gold. The second got 2 bags. The third got 1 bag.

Matthew 25:16 says the first servant “put his money to work” and guess what- he gained FIVE more bags

The second one did the same and gained TWO more.

The last one dug a hole in the ground and hid the money because of FEAR. His master scared him, so he gave back the original bag.

Well, guess which ones were labeled “good and faithful” and which got “wicked and lazy” title.

Good and faithful got access to do even MORE and they could share in their master’s happiness.

Wicked and lazy was left with nothing.

You and I are unique. That’s a good thing. You have your abilities and I have mine.

You can do things that I can’t- and no need for me to be jealous about that.

It’s easy to think HER skill is better, HER voice is more melodious, SHE has all the gifts.

Let her do her thing. You do yours with YOUR ability.

As Dr. Tony Evans asks, “What will you do with what you’ve been given?”

What unique abilities can YOU use for Christ that will last for generations?

My Dad always says, “You have one life and it will soon be gone. What is done for Christ will last.”

Guess what- they had a time frame (they needed to get the work done by the time their master returned).

You do, too.

The reality is: We only have a limited amount of time here on Earth. It’s already February 2023. December will be here in a flash.

I don’t want December 31 to surprise me with the thought of…”another year gone, how did I use my time?”

Double what God has already blessed you with this year, just like the faithful servants.

As God allows you access to even greater things, be faithful in that. Our Master then invites us to share His happiness.

I can’t think of a better ending than that.

~Elizabeth/Betsy

Photo credit to Joaquin Paz y Mino from unsplash.com