“Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.” Matthew 25:24-27

            The three workers received bags of gold according to their ability.  They were expected to do something with the money to see a profit.  The five and three bag workers did what they were expected to do.  The one bag of gold guy underperformed as expected.  So why was he so wicked when he actually did not lose any money, just didn’t gain money?

            What was his sin?  He selfishly protected himself and did not try to please his boss.  The fear of failure overwhelmed him more than the desire to please the master.  He did not trust the master or obediently do what he was asked.

            No matter what your ability level, God asks that you multiply the gifts he’s given you.  Five and three bag level people have risked before and received more responsibility and opportunity.  One bag level people have not trusted God enough to even be considered saved.  This parable is about trust and obedience through risk for God.