You’re right, of course, that we will always fall short, but I just want to keep trying, not because God needs it, but because I need it! The question of responsibility/grace is an interesting one; it parallels (in some ways) the question I’ve always had about balancing prayer/action… It’s for wiser minds than mine to debate, but I will continue to act as though I’m responsible and rejoice that there’s grace!

As for Kevin’s feeling, I’m just praying that that’s really a message from God, and I’m not leading my Cardinal Captain astray!

How do we balance grace with responsibility? I mean, realistically, nobody is giving God a big enough return on his investment. We all fall short. We all fail in various ways. We all steal from him. So does God actually expect a large return, or does he follow the old evangelical line and see Jesus when he looks at us?

On a side note, I’ve been reading an incredible book by a left-wing liberal convert to liberal Christianity called Take This Bread. In it, she describes her really amazing journey of experiencing Christ through the communion bread and wine, and then believing that as someone who now “eats” Jesus, she has no choice but to extend the food of the communion table to the hungry poor. But she doesn’t give out of some sense of obligation to God, but rather out of a proufound sense of gratitude and union with Christ.

But in all seriousness, I think it’s an interesting perspective to use the things in our lives that seem like flaws in ways to bring glory to God. I’m not convinced that that’s true, but I think it’s definitely worth thinking about. Hmm… In a manner of speaking, Larry Wall used his allergies to steer him on a path not of his own choosing, ultimately allowing him to invent Perl, which was arguably more useful to the kingdom of God than if he had been a missionary. Well… I’m taking a lot of liberties with that story, but I think it’s interesting so for those who care… Interview with Larry Wall

On the other hand, many of us have enough trouble trying to use the things in our lives that everyone would consider gifts/blessings in order to glorify God rather than to benefit ourselves. That’s where I’m going to start anyway.

As for justice, like Kevin and professional ministry, I think that I simply can’t fathom life/calling without it being centrally about addressing injustice in this world. I think it’s not enough for me to give money to the effort… I want to be in there 100%. But to Kevin’s point, that’s just me, and not necessarily for everyone.

As for C giving back just one talent plus interest, I think the strong implication is that the master would have been satisfied, but not pleased. In fact, now that I think of it, that might be why A made 5 out of 5… because she did give her everything to the effort. I think it’s hard to know for sure from this parable alone, but I suspect the sort of God who says “No other gods before me” wants us to give him 100%. And whether or not he really does want that, that’s what I want to give him, so it’s a moot point anyway.

Anyway, I think it actually does matter what the amount is. I just think that it’s difficult to measure the amount, which was the point of the original post: I might see 3 talents when there are really 2 or 4. I do think that Kevin’s right that the question should be “How can I be faithful with what I’ve been given?” but for a performance oriented Asian American, it’s hard not to ask the other question, whether or not it’s ultimately helpful.

But yeah… I think both Kevin and I (and hopefully some other of you readers!) are wanting to “give enough back to God.” I think I want that, not for God’s sake, but for my own!

As for the whole justice issue… I’m doubtful. I’m doubtful that that’s where we’re supposed to be putting so many of our eggs. Not that Christians aren’t supposed to be doing justice, but I just don’t think it’s supposed to be primary. I honestly don’t think God is going to ask me, Kevin, did you do justice? (I’m not sure God will actually be asking any of these kinds of questions, but just in case…) I think I’m supposed to love him with all my heart, soul, and strength, and love my neighbor as myself, and for my shortcomings in that there’s all kinds of grace. Jesus said that the world will know us by our love, not our justice. Justice is a by-product of love. Any do-gooder pagan can do justice. Only followers of Jesus can express God’s love. Anyway, that’s becoming a tangent.

I can’t seem to formulate a response to your last paragraph that satisifies me, even though I’ve been trying. The interesting line in the parable is that each servant was given talents “each according to his ability.” And another interesting thing is that the Master would’ve been satisfied if C had only given him back the talent with a little interest, not doubled like A and B. So again, worrying about the amount is maybe missing the point of the parable. I’m not sure this parable is teaching what you are saying, that God expects everything. And I’m certain that God is not saying you are never giving enough. Isn’t Jesus just saying, be faithful with what you’ve been given and live always in a Godward way. Instead of asking, “How do I know if I’m not giving enough?” change the question to “How can I be faithful with what I’ve been given?” They are entirely different questions. The first produces worry, uncertainty, and self-abuse (ie, I’m so lousy. I’m no better than C). The other results in a God-focused, forward-oriented life.

Anyway, I guess you hit a nerve with me here.

Sorry, I got off on a digression, and I certainly know that I wasn’t addressing your concern. Career is just something I think a lot about these days because I want to make sure I’m maximizing all of my time for God, and I spend quite a lot of it at work!

Your reply is intriguing, but I’m not sure that I totally agree. I think God brings good out of all things, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he causes all things. “Singleness” can arguably be a good thing (though many people who are single don’t think so), but it’s hard to make the case that “depression” is inherently a good thing. Nor do I think that depressed Christians should necessarily go and seek out other depressed people because they’re uniquely gifted in ministering to them or otherwise “leverage” their depression (note that I’m not saying they shouldn’t either!). I don’t really know the answer. Sorry.

Now as to my question of “What if A made 6? What if A made 4?”: the underlying question to my question is, “How much is enough?” And, “How do I know if I’m not giving enough?” The answer to the first is clear… your whole life. God is pretty clear that he’ll take no less than everything, though of course since he’s also the source of everything we’ll also always be “full”. But the answer to the second? There are no pat answers there… Generations of conditioning have led me to believe that I’m never giving enough… so how do I find healing there?