I heard a message at church tonight that has me thinking.  It was based on the parable of the talents…the one where the boss gives three different guys money to keep for him. Two guys invest in different ways and add to the bosses money. One man is afraid and he buries his.  The boss is mad at his lack of care with the money.  I always have thought that it was weird for God to be mad because the guy didn’t make money. Isn’t money the root of all evil.  It seems right to me, maybe even a good steward for him to be safe.  But the point tonight was that it isn’t really the amount of money that makes him angry, but rather the man’s fear of risking himself.  He did not put himself out there; he took the easy and comfortable way.  This is such a great point.  God wants us to live with abandon risking our comfort by stepping out there for him. He asks us to do one thing only…follow me.  All else will come into focus if we do that one thing with abandon.

 Complacency is our enemy.  We are continually leaving our weaknesses and sins at the cross.  That is needed but we also need to bring our strengths.  To give ourselves fully…every part.  To give only part of myself is neither hot nor cold.  It makes God sick to see all that he has given us and we are halfhearted in our pursuit of him.  It goes back to being grateful and living life to the fullest.  Knowing that as you give your all in an area, he is smiling because he gave his all for you.  Watching you succeed, or failing in a valiant effort, brings pleasure to him because of your abandonment.  It is like a child that is fully caught up in some worthy goal; a baby begins to walk, or a child tries a new sport, or wins a contest of some skill. The effort is noble.  It is that kind of abandonment that pleases God.  Each individual has some thing that urges them to live fully.  One thing.  One gift or talent to push to the limit as part of the pursuit of God. (Like maybe writing a book) It is risky. It requires courage and trust.  It requires you to rely on God as you step out and take a risk…and it makes him smile. J