Section 4
how the unfaithful believers keep their salvation in an idle way instead of using it productively. The word "feared" in verse 21 is negative. We should be positive and aggressive in using the Lord's gift.
Verses 22 and 23 continue, "He says to him, Out of your mouth I will judge you, wicked slave! You knew that I am an exacting man, taking up what I did not lay down, and reaping what I did not sow. Then why did you not put my money in the bank, and when I came, I would have col lected it with interest?" Apparently the Lord's work always begins from zero. He seemingly de mands us to work for Him with nothing, taking up what He did not lay down and reaping what He did not sow. This should not be an excuse for us to neglect the use of our gift. Rather, this should force us to exercise our faith to use our gift to the uttermost.
Putting the money in the bank signifies using the Lord's gift to save people and minister His riches to them. "Interest" in verse 23 signifies the profitable result we gain for the Lord's work by using His gifts.
Verses 24 through 26 continue, "And to those standing by he said, Take the mina away from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas. And they said to him, Lord, he has ten