But he who received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money
-- Matthew 25:18
I have always been intrigued by stories of hidden treasure discovered. Whether it be The Count of Monte Cristo, a silly Matthew McConaughey movie or a Discovery Channel saga.
The questions have always lingered: Why did the owner of the treasure hide it in the first place; and why did he or she not return to get it.
In other words, why bury treasure? And why, if the plan is to return to it, does no one ever seem to get around to it? Most importantly, what motivates a person to bury treasure?
Jesus tells a story of three men in what is actually a pretty terrifying chapter of scripture. To each of these guys is given a certain amount of money (called talents). Two of the three, seeing themselves as stewards of their master's gift, invest and grow the treasure. The third however, buries it. The first two receive praise and reward for their efforts. The third receives what seems to be an overly-harsh punishment. (There must be more going on here.)
So back to the most important question. What motivates a person to bury treasure? I think it boils down to two things (and we'll add a third in a moment):
1. GREED
2. FEAR
Treasure-buriers hoard due to selfish greed. Treasure-buriers fear the loss of what they have.
Here is the problem with a treasure-burying mentality: The burier, nor anyone he/she might touch, gets to enjoy the treasure. No one reaps the benefits. Greed steals. Fear is a prison. And treasure unused makes no impact.
In the case of the three men in Jesus' story, a deeper motivation appears. This one is actually more dangerous and more sad than being controlled by greed and imprisoned by fear. It is a misunderstanding of the nature and character of the GIVER.
When we view God as a tyrannical slave-driver, it is natural to fall into the shadows of fear and greed. However, when we understand God to be the Giver of all good things (James 1:17), we begin to take on his giving nature. Also, when we understand that in God's economy there is no limit to the pie, everything changes. (The pie economy - you take a piece and there is less left for me. God's economy - I give you a piece of the pie and there is just more pie.)
As preachers we always speak of Time, Talents and Treasures. (It just flows, and for some reason, triplets seem to preach.) Each of us will choose to invest or hoard; to use for the benefit of others, or bury.
One last thought on God's treasures:
...no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him...
-- 1 Corinthians 2:9
God, I am often trapped by greed and fear, and bury my (your) treasure. Forgive me, and help me to invest.
For now...
D
