Last spring I heard a talk by Pastor Mark Schatzman on the parable of the talents from Matthew 25:14-30. He looked at it what a faithful steward is in terms of risk. The first two stewards ‘traded up’ and were rewarded. Jesus declared them ‘good and faithful.’ But the third didn’t risks and not only lost what he had but marked as ‘slothful and wicked.’
As a part of his talk, he shared an illustration. It comes from Wes Seeliger (1973), who wrote graphical book, entitled “Western Theology,” which is similar to today’s Bible Project. Two ways to view the Christian life using metaphors from old west.
Settler (S) Theology and Pioneer (P) Theology
S. Life = Precious possession, carefully guarded.
P. Life = A trust to be invested.
S. Church= Courthouse. Center and symbol of stability and strength.
P. Church = Covered wagon. Moves on the journey. … scarred with arrows. Under repair.
S. God = Town mayor. No one sees Him but knowing there… comforting… walk straight.
P. God = Trail boss. Chews ruff cut. Lives and fights with pioneers. Always prods us on.
S. Jesus = Sheriff. White hat. Polite.
P. Jesus = Scout, blazes trail, suffers first.
S. Holy Spirit = Saloon girl, comfortably entertain, refill drinks for guests daily.
P. Holy Spirit = Buffalo hunter, bring fresh meat. Settlers think too wild… scary.
S. Sin = Disturbing town peace
P. Sin = Turning back
S. Suffering = Alarm. Something is wrong.
P. Suffering = Reminder. We’re not home.
S. Motto= Safety first. Life is precious.
P. Motto= Ride Hard. Life is before us.
Schatzman says, “the Pioneers feel sorry for Settlers. They never get anywhere. Settlers think Pioneers are insane. They live too dangerously. Too risky. The parable in Matthew 25 says the first two stewards were pioneers… traded with what they’d been given it and gained. Don’t rush by this. These two stewards didn’t have a guaranteed return before they traded. They had to count the cost…, to make decision then take a risk. These stewards had to endure agony of watching the ROI go up and down. They took the risk, not with their own money but with the Master’s! What if didn’t
work out? They could have lost it all and had nothing to show Master. Surely, it’s better to think like a settler. Play safe. Make sure what God entrusted his at least preserved. Have you noticed that in church… good stewardship usually synonymous with ‘being cautious!’”
Or is it?
Schatzman went on to build a case that what Jesus was seeking to teach in the parable is that he is looking for those who follow him — those who are looking to be found ‘good and faithful’ — are living with a Pioneer mindset.
He goes on to say, “as stewards, we have choice. We are free to take risks and invest God’s resources… To seek to increase His kingdom. Or free to preserve it safely. The third steward decided good stewardship = great caution. Nothing gained; nothing lost… right?”
The Scriptures go on to say it was a long time before the Master returned. One of those implications for you and me? Schatzman wonders if “that is our problem,” the waiting and the unknown. We know He will return, and when is only known to Him.
So in faith, we are challenged to consider being risk takers, Pioneers. If you are a Settler, what one or two steps might help you move toward pioneering in your stewardship?
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