Losing What You Don't Use

In Luke 19:26-27, Jesus concludes the parable of the minas by addressing two very different groups: unfaithful stewards and outright enemies. Both face judgment, but not in the same way.

The unfaithful steward represents those who, though still servants of the king, fail to use the resources entrusted to them. Jesus says, "to everyone who has, more shall be given, but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away" (v. 26). This judgment is not execution, but loss of responsibility and reward. The servant keeps his life, but forfeits the privilege of serving in the king's household with honor. His opportunity is stripped away and reassigned to someone who proved faithful.

The enemies, however, are a different matter. They symbolize those who reject the king's rule altogether. For them, the parable ends with destruction (v. 27). The line is clear: neglect leads to loss, but rejection leads to ruin.

Today, this principle applies to every Christian. We are stewards of God's gifts–our time, our talents, our finances, our opportunities, and most of all the gospel itself. Some are entrusted with teaching or preaching, others with leadership or influence, and all with the call to live and share the good news. Faithfulness multiplies opportunities, while neglect slowly shrinks them away.

Examples abound. A preacher who hides behind safe messages may see his congregation decline, while another who boldly proclaims God's truth finds his ministry flourishing. A Christian who ignores prayer and service may feel their joy and influence fade, while another who invests faithfully in others sees greater fruit. Even in family life, a parent's neglect of spiritual training often forces God to raise up other influences for the child's sake.

Jesus teaches that when Christ returns, enemies will face destruction, but unfaithful stewards will face loss. In God's kingdom, those who serve faithfully will see their opportunities grow, while those who neglect their calling will see them taken away and given to others.