Forge Ahead

Lose this day loitering—‘twill be the same story
To-morrow—and the next more dilatory;
Each indecision brings its own delays,
And days are lost lamenting o’er lost days.
Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute—
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.
Only engage, and then the mind grows heated—
Begin it, and then the work will be completed!
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

This is the kind of verse that should be read at the beginning of a new year or on a Monday, or upon returning from time away or upon starting some new venture, or at last facing a difficult challenge. We’ve waited long enough. Our talents as God has given them to us now need to be engaged. We can do it!

In the story of the talents we forget that not everyone had the same number of talents. It is natural that we should pass this little bit of trivia by. The point of Jesus’ story is twofold. First, those who had talents used them, and without delay. The second, one did not. He buried them in order to minimize the risk and escape any wrath resulting from failure.

How many people there are with incredible talents to share that refuse to engage them because of a lack of boldness. How many people fail to confront their reality because of the delays buried beneath indecision. How many people never move toward their potential because they are busy lamenting o’er lost days.

God does not need believers, but people of faith—people willing to boldly take the risk and live a life of difference. The challenge/opportunity is before you only engage . . . begin it, and then the work will be completed!

Prayer
God of grace, God of glory you have called us to this moment in our lives. You have given us gifts to be used for your glory. Grant us the wisdom to discern those gifts, and the boldness to use them for your Kingdom’s sake. Amen.

Mac Hamon, Senior Pastor
Castleton United Methodist Church
Indianapolis, Indiana