Playing it Safe?

In the parable on the talents(Matt. 25:14-30), we see what God expects from our attitudes and effort in life. Two of the servants put forth effort and took chances to produce for their master-lived by faith/trust. The other one played it safe, cautious….thus lacked the faith/trust that God expects. These results demonstrate each one’s effort/attitude. For two of them, their talents increased/doubled. The other still had just the one talent given as he hid it in the ground. Further in the same chapter(Matt 25:35-46) we learn that unless we actively serve(the hungry, thirsty, naked, imprisoned, etc.) in a selfless way and not expecting rewards/pats on back/being seen by others, we are playing it safe and not being bold.
The question that is pulling at my heart is, ‘How am I playing in my faith/Christian walk?’ I have to admit for most of my life I have let my introverted/reserved/quiet demeanor control my life. I have not been bold for my Almighty God. Instead, trying to get by and being content going to church and being a good person. I ask God to forgive me when I cowardly and passively shy away from sharing the most precious gift-Jesus Christ. So, ‘How are you playing?’ Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

Cut

There is a song from Christian artist ‘Plumb’(her band/stage name) called ‘Cut’. It is a beautiful song melodically-I know nothing about music-but it really sounds good. As far as the lyrics-I’m not certain what the exact meaning she had in mind. However, the title and a certain part of the chorus has brought me to make an observation. The line goes, 'I’m tired of feeling so numb, relief exists I find when I’ve been cut’. Life's trials(those valleys )can bring on feelings of lost, doubt, or as the song says-numb. The past two years, I have felt the pain/hurt of being deeply ‘cut’ in multiple events that have occurred. I have asked God where is He?, What have I done? Am I not living right in His sight? Natural questions, yet ones that show I need molding from God due to my lack of faith and trust (read James 1:2-5, 1 Peter 4:1-2 and 12-13). These ‘cuts/trials’ will cause us to react in one of two ways-either to humble ourselves and draw closer to God, or give up and let Satan rule our reactions. In Hebrews 12:11, we read- "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." While this period has provided much spiritual awakening and growth, it does not come without pain/sufferings-being ‘cut’. I do not always have the faith, trust, submissive/surrendering heart that I should. Hence this is God’s way of getting our attention, not being complacent-something so easily done in 21st century America. The good news-God will not leave us hanging, He loves and cares for each person. He will provide and comfort (Isaiah 41:10, Matt 11:28-30, Rom. 5:3-5, Psalm 46:1, Philip. 4:19). I’ll finish with a comforting passage from Psalm (34:18)- "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Let’s place our ‘cuts’ in God’s loving hands and trust Him-not easy-but the all knowing God wants us there. Blessings in your pursuit…….TO