And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 25:30
“Oh God! What unutterable horror must be in store for those who, entrusted by Thee with an overflowing abundance, disregard the misery around them in guilty selfishness and indolence, or expend it in sensuality and profligacy.”
Samuel Warren (1807-1877) English physician in Day’s Collacon, comp. and arr. by Edward Parsons Day (New York: IPPO, 1884) 4.
During Lent, it is not a pleasant thought, however, it is a necessary one to think of the implications for those with “overflowing abundance” who fail to serve the poor: “unutterable horror” awaits. My mind is drawn to the poor today as I am up early to have breakfast with a Latin American ministry leader down in Colorado Springs.
Father, open our eyes, lest we “disregard the misery” around us. Free us from indolence (laziness), selfishness, and sensuality (focusing on our own pleasure), when many suffer around us. Transform us from foolishly careless managers (profligacy) into faithful and generous stewards of your abundance. Do this by the power of your Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus. Amen.