Secure the Bag, Sis!

The Urban Dictionary defines ‘Securing the Bag’ as:

“An expression used to describe the act of taking/obtaining advantage of the situation and keep something of value.”

Lately, I’ve been giving a lot of consideration to how I’ve managed the “bag” God has entrusted to me. It began several months ago, as I found myself wrestling with the thought that if I were to die today, or if Jesus were to return this very moment, how much of my work would be found undone? How many of the bags entrusted to me would be found buried in the ground because I was still waiting for confirmation or the approval of other people (who would also have to stand before the Master and give an account for their own bags?) Could I confidently stand before the Master saying,

“Well you see God, I didn’t do it because they…”

“I never went because you never opened a door…”

“I didn’t move because I wasn’t sure it was you calling…”

“I didn’t follow through because I didn’t want to move and make a mistake…”

“You know how you get on this obedience thing…”

“I quit because he…

“I left because she…”

That’s basically what’s happening in this parable.

Ironically the parable follows Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24 that no man knows the day or hour of his return. Jesus further expounds on this point by giving additional examples on how he expects his followers to remain ready for His return. In Matthew 25:14-31, Jesus paints a picture of a Master with three servants. The Master plans to make a trip, but before he leaves, entrusts his servants with the task of managing his wealth until he comes back. One servant was given five bags. Another given two, and the other was given one.

There were no additional instructions. The Master called and provided the necessary tools. The servants immediately went to work. Two worked at investing their bags, while one worked at burying it.

When the master returned, he found the servant with five bags managed to double his portion. The servant he gave two bags managed to double their portion as well.

The servant he gave one bag decided to bury their portion due to fear and laziness. Instead of being found faithful like the other two servants, this wicked and lazy servant was found full of excuses.

We tend to pray for more. Greater. Increased. Enlarged.

We want supernatural. Miraculous. ”Exceedingly and abundantly…”

But what have you done with what you have been given? With what’s in your hand right now? Are you working to invest or disinvest what the Master has entrusted to you? We’ve been given “everything we need for life and godliness.” However, to whom much is given, much is also required.

The gifts and call of God are irrevocable.

However, only what you do for Christ will last.

The servant with one bag had one job. To manage one bag.

Tomorrow is not promised, and we don’t know when the Master will return.

Don’t be caught with your work undone.

Secure the bag, sis.