Reading: Matthew 25:14-30
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ROI. It means return on investment. It’s business lingo that we use to talk about if something is worth the trouble. Should a company spend $1 million in advertising if the projected result is only $250 thousand of added business revenue? A company might consider that a bad ROI.
Sometimes churches talk in terms of ROI as well. What are the results of doing x, y, or z? Is it worth the trouble? Sometimes it’s prudent to discuss investments in such a manner. Sometimes however, churches shouldn’t get caught up in thinking about results; sometimes it actually distracts us from the goal.
I love what Jesus says to Thyatira. “I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.” What a wonderful commendation from the King – “You’re not only doing good things; you’re increasing.” Notice what Jesus doesn’t say. He doesn’t say, “Because of your work, 300 people came to faith this past year, or you were able to help out 100 families who were starving.” Humans love numbers. Jesus avoids them. We are easily impressed by the large amounts people put in the offering plate. Jesus is impressed by the heart of the poor widow, who gives a penny.
In today’s reading – the Parable of the Talents – notice the master. While the parable points out how much the master gave them, and how much they gained, the master doesn’t seem to make a big deal of the amount. He gave each one what he felt they could handle, and he was pleased when they gave back a positive return on his investment.
A couple of weeks ago, I was listening to a Christian radio show, and the host was interviewing a prominent pastor here in the U.S. The hour long show got rather weird as the pastor started attacking the host. At one point, he began comparing his church with the host’s. “How many young men came to the Lord in the last year?” he prodded. The host admitted it was difficult to think of the exact number. “Perhaps two or three,” he offered. The pastor then criticized this man’s church, “Look at your results, then look at my results.”
It’s easy to look at some of the mega churches and say, “What are we doing wrong? Why don’t we have that?” I know a lot of pastors struggle with numbers. I knew one pastor who was so obsessed with numbers that he handed out perfect attendance certificates to congregant’s who never missed a service.
Maybe I’m being naive, but I try to avoid looking at numbers. While there’s a place for measuring growth, it’s important to keep growth in perspective. I remember attending church meetings where we spent most of the time talking about attendance and finances. If there’s really two things we cannot control, it’s definitely those two.
Looking at the Parable of the Talents and Jesus’ commendation to Thyatira, let me offer an alternative focus. Jesus gives us gifts, He brings opportunities to us, He allows us to serve Him. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3 that we can plant seeds and water them, but it is God who makes them grow. I believe God speaks to individuals and families, especially about where to attend church. I know many in our congregation would say, “God told me that I was supposed to be here.” So, if He did that in our lives, can’t we trust Him to do that in others’ lives as well? He’s the Master in charge. Thankfully, He knows us; just like in the parable, He knows what we can and can’t handle.
So, here’s what we can focus on. Let’s be faithful. God has gifted us, and the Creator has entrusted His creation with a variety of opportunities. You know, I really believe that if Jesus were to write a letter to New Hope Chapel today, He would commend us like He did Thyatira. Our growth maybe isn’t as dramatic as the church down the road. Maybe we’re not doing nearly as much as the neighboring church in the community. But church isn’t a competition to see who can do more, or who has the most at the end. Church is about a journey of faith – where together we follow our Rabbi. Let’s keep our eyes on Him. Continue doing what God has called us to do, and we’ll be exactly where God wants us to be. That is the best return on investment.