Occupying Your Time: A Call to Productive Living in Anticipation of Christ's Return
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If Jesus Walked Into Your Workplace Tomorrow and Asked, "Show Me What You've Done with Everything I Gave You," What Would Your Answer Be?
The Parable That Changes Everything
What if Jesus returned today and asked you: "What did you do with what I gave you?" This isn't just a hypothetical question - it's the heart of one of Jesus' most challenging parables that every believer needs to understand.
"God doesn't give you talents to hide them - He gives them to multiply them."
The Parable of the Ten Minas: Jesus' Investment Strategy
The parable symbolises Jesus as the noble owner, entrusting his servants with talents before departing for a distant land. He instructs them to "put this money to work until I come back" (Luke 19:13, NIV), emphasising the need for active and productive service during His absence.
But here's what most people miss: this isn't just about money or obvious "spiritual" gifts. Your minas today might be:
Your job skills and professional expertise
Your social media influence and platform
Your relationships and network
Your financial resources
Your time and availability
Your creativity and problem-solving abilities
Your life experiences and testimony
My Personal "Occupying" Journey
I used to think I had nothing significant to offer God. I was just another person with average skills, working an ordinary job. Then I realized - that's exactly what God wants to use!
Today, I'm using my writing to share the Gospel, my workplace relationships to demonstrate Christ's love, and even my struggles to encourage others. Every conversation, every blog post, every act of kindness is my way of "putting God's investment to work."
What about you? How are you currently multiplying what God has given you?
The Urgency We Can't Ignore
In essence, the parable underscores the unpredictability of Christ's return, emphasising the constant need for preparedness. As stated in Matthew 24:36, "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (NIV).
This isn't meant to create fear - it's meant to create urgency. Jesus could return:
While you're reading this post
During your lunch break today
Before you go to sleep tonight
Are you ready to give an account?
"Occupying Till He Comes": What It Really Means
"Occupying till I come" (Luke 19:13, KJV) encourages believers to be diligent in their service to God. The Master expects a return on investment for the talents entrusted to each servant, emphasising the importance of living righteously and being productive while eagerly awaiting Christ's return.
Addressing the Fear: "But I'm Not Good Enough"
Many Christians feel inadequate about their talents. "I'm not a pastor," they say. "I can't preach or lead worship."
Here's the truth: God doesn't need you to be perfect - He needs you to be faithful. The servant who turned one mina into ten wasn't necessarily more talented than the others. He was simply more faithful with what he had.
Your "ordinary" talents become extraordinary when surrendered to God's purposes.
Living a Productive Christian Life in 2024
The message is clear: while the timing of Christ's return remains unknown, believers are called to be actively engaged in serving the Lord. Colossians 3:23 urges believers to "work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men," marking our lives with purposeful service that positively impacts the world.
Modern Ways to "Occupy":
In Your Career: Excellence that reflects Christ, mentoring others, and ethical leadership
In Your Community: Volunteering, neighbourhood relationships, local church involvement
Online: Sharing encouraging content, supporting ministries, digital evangelism
In Your Family: Raising godly children, caring for ageing parents, being a faithful spouse
With Your Resources: Generous giving, supporting missions, helping those in need
"Your talents aren't just gifts - they're investments God expects you to multiply."
Preparation for His Coming: The Final Assessment
The parable suggests that when the owner returns, he will assess how each servant managed their entrusted resources. Likewise, believers are called to prepare for the Lord's return by living lives that reflect His teachings. This involves cultivating a deep relationship with God, growing in faith, and using God-given talents to positively impact the world.
Imagine standing before Jesus and hearing:
"Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23)
Or the devastating words: "You wicked, lazy servant" (Matthew 25:26)
Which response do you want to hear?
Your Talent Assessment: Take Action Today
Step 1: Identify Your Minas
List three talents/resources God has given you:
Step 2: Current Investment Check
How are you currently using these for God's kingdom?
Actively multiplying: _______________
Partially using: _______________
Hiding/wasting: _______________
Step 3: Your Commitment
Choose ONE way to use your talents for His kingdom this week:
The Challenge: #OccupyTillHeComes
I challenge you to live each day as if Jesus might return before sunset. Not in fear, but in faithful expectation. Use your gifts boldly. Serve others generously. Share the Gospel courageously.
Your Assignment Today:
Identify three talents God has given you
Choose ONE way to multiply them this week
Commit to being found faithful when He returns
Share this post with someone who needs to start "occupying"
Ready to Multiply Your Talents?
If this message stirred your heart, don't let this moment pass. Comment below: "I'm ready to occupy till He comes" and share one talent you commit to using for God's kingdom.
Remember: The same Jesus who entrusted the servants with minas has entrusted you with gifts, talents, and opportunities. He's not asking for perfection - He's asking for faithfulness.
What talent will YOU multiply before He returns?
The bottom line: Every believer has been given something to invest for the Kingdom. The question isn't whether you're talented enough - it's whether you're faithful enough to use what you have.
Jesus is coming back. Will you be found occupying or hiding? The choice is yours, but the time is now.