You better be working when the boss shows up (The faithful servant Matthew 24:45-51, Mark 13:34-37)

You better be working when the boss shows up (The faithful vs wicked servant Matthew 24:45-51, Mark 13:34-37)

I have co-worker/friend who is a super hard-working individual that gets a lot of work done in a little bit of time, but it seems like every time he comes into my office to order a part, get a drink, or just cool off a minute the boss walks in. The boss never says anything to the individual because he knows that he is a hard worker but the minute the boss leave he says, “man he always catches me when I set down and take a break.” He has the old schoolwork ethic where it is embarrassing for someone to catch you on the job doing nothing and super embarrassing if the boss catches you sitting down on the job. He takes pride in his work and wants everyone to know that he is doing his best and never wants to be seen in a negative light. In the parable of the of the faithful and wicked servant we see that an old school work-ethic is exactly what Jesus is looking for when He returns for His church. The scripture says tells us that when he returns, he expects to find his church working and those who are not will be punished for their spiritual laziness.

No one likes to look bad in front of the boss, I mean who wants to be looked at as the lazy person who never gets anything done because the boss always catches you setting around doing nothing. It would not be good for your career if you had this type of reputation, but it would not be good for your eternal future if God comes back and finds you not working. This parable is not a story set forth to make you a good employee and have a productive career, it is meant to be a stark warning that this is the reality of what Jesus expects to find when he returns. The true disciples of Jesus Christ are not idle and are excellent stewards of the gifts, talents, time, and finances that God has given them authority over on this earth. The idle ones are not disciples but instead the ones who are playing religion to cool their conscience and make them feel better about themselves. The bottom line is that our love for our Lord and Savior will drive us to be productive workers in His Kingdom no matter what assignment or mission He sends our way.