Our weaknesses and shortcomings are often a source of pain and embarrassment for us. Sometimes we do not feel worthy of God. Paul has a very encouraging message for us: we are chosen and loved precisely because of our humanity and imperfections not in spite of them! Our journey to God is not some sort of spiritual athletic feat. And it is certainly not a way to feel superior to others or lord it over them. It is God's show, not ours; we are God's work of art and He is not yet finished. Rather than boast of human achievements, we should be boasting of God's kindness and generous love.

Matthew warns us against being spiritually timid. Like the servant in the story, some of us are frightened of losing God's love or endangering our salvation. But we are encouraged to be spiritually bold and daring. After all, when we truly trust God's loving-kindness, there is absolutely nothing to fear. Being afraid of God or worrying constantly about whether we are saved are forms of unbelief and spiritual immaturity. Our journey to God is not some sort of game or obstacle course. The purpose of our journey is not to present God with a clean record, but a rich and fruitful one. God's loves us unconditionally, setting us free to learn, serve and love.