Scripture:

“But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.”

Matthew 25:18

Fear paralyzes what faith could multiply. But at the root of this servant’s fear was a distorted view of the Master. Later in the passage, he says, “Master, I knew that you are a hard man…” (v.24). He saw the Master as harsh, demanding, and impossible to please. That perspective shaped his actions - so instead of stepping out in faith, he buried the gift.

This is a warning for us: when we carry a skewed view of God, we will misinterpret His intentions and mishandle His gifts. If we believe God is harsh, we will serve Him out of fear instead of love. If we see Him as distant, we won’t trust Him with our risks. But when we know Him as good, faithful, and generous, we are freed to invest BOLDY.

Your view of the Master will determine how you steward the talents He’s placed in your hands. The question isn’t just what you’ve been given - it’s whether you truly know the heart of the One who gave it. What you bury out of fear will never grow, but what you risk in faith will be multiplied by God.

Reflection Questions:

1. What fears have been holding me back from obedience or from sharing the gospel?

2. What would I do differently if I trusted that God’s presence and power were with me?

Prayer:

God, I confess the fears that have kept me from obeying You. I surrender them into Your hands. Fill me with boldness, Lord, not because I’m strong, but because You are with me. Help me walk by faith, not by fear. Amen.

Action Step:

Identify one fear that’s been dictating your actions. Pray over it, then write down one faith-filled action to take that directly challenges that fear.