The Five Colossal Mistakes of a Wicked Man (#5)

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"Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant." (Luke 19:22).

Today we conclude our look into the story Jesus told about a man who was given a gift, and then expected to use it in a such a way as to bring honor to the one who gave him the gift. The man failed miserably by making five colossal mistakes. We have discussed the first four, now we'll look at the final one. My purpose is to help insure that you and I do not follow his example and squander the gifts and the great opportunities the which the Lord has given us.

Colossal Mistake No.5 -- He Betrayed his Soul

This man had professed to be a servant of the Lord, but now his true colors were shown. Though he painted his face with the veneer of piety, his behavior betrayed the true condition of his soul.

“You wicked servant,” Jesus said to him. These are strong words, leaving no doubt about what the Lord thought. Wicked means “evil in thought and purpose.” It is the fruit of following the devil. Satan has but one agenda; to destroy everything that brings honor to Jesus Christ. He used this wicked man to do just that. We must make sure that he does not do the same with us.

As for the wicked servant, Jesus said, “Take from him and give it to another.” Here we have the final, sobering summary of one man’s desperate failure. He was disqualified, dishonored, and eternally damned. “Cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness,” Jesus said. “There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt.25:30).

He no doubt thought he was doing the safe thing by burying his talent, keeping it from risk and loss; ready to give back to his Lord without incident. He clearly could not have been more mistaken! By taking no risk at all—he took the greatest risk of all, and in the end betrayed his own soul!

Don't you dare make the same colossal mistakes this poor man made!
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