THE PARABLE OF CALVIN CAUTIOUS

THE PARABLE OF CALVIN CAUTIOUS

When Calvin Cautious awoke he was, scared to death. “This must be it,” he thought, “I must have died and gone to heaven.”

He looked around. Everything was so vast and white.

“Calvin Cautious?” a voice asked from behind him.

Calvin was startled. He spun around. Behind him stood a large bearded man wearing white overalls holding a clip board.

“Where did you come from?” Calvin asked.

“I work up here,” the man said.

“Up here?” Calvin asked. “Where Am I? Is this Heaven?”

“No, no you’re not dead and you’re not in heaven,” the man said, “this is a way station, a checkpoint, you’re here for a warranty service and to answer some questions.”

“Warranty service and questions?” Calvin asked.

“Yes, the Manufacturer has laid down the policy to keep track of the products,” the man said.

“Are you the Gate Keeper? asked Calvin.

“No I’m the Engineer,” the man said.

“When can I go back?” Calvin asked.

“When you can give the right answers,” the man replied. “You see the Manufacturer sees no sense in wasting space down there on a product that won ‘t be used properly.”

“Do you mean that if I can’t give the right answers I’ll be you know dead?” Calvin asked.

“Your warranty will be revoked and you will be permanently recalled,” the Engineer said.

The Engineer read his clip board. “Tell me Calvin what is  your purpose down there?”

“Well, I try to work hard, mind my own business, don’t hurt anyone, stay out of trouble and just get along with other folks,” Calvin explained.

“What about your talents Calvin, what about them?” the Engineer pressed.

“What talents? They’re not much, really, you know, I just keep to myself, you know,” Calvin mumbled.

“Oh no, Calvin you’re not answering right,” the Engineer was disappointed, “Don’t you remember the story of the Talents?” (Matthew 25:14-30)

“I think so, “ Calvin mumbled, “The Manufacturer gave three men three talents each. To one He gave five, to the second He gave two and to the third He gave one.”

“That’s right,” the Engineer said. “ Some years later the Manufacturer checked up on each of them. To the one He gave five talents, He was pleased that the man used and applied all the talents that they earned another five more. He checked on the one whom He gave two talents, and was pleased that the man used and applied the talents that they earned two more talents. But when He checked on the one He gave one talent He was angry because the man who was given one talent buried the talent on the ground, saying that he was afraid the talent might get lost. The Manufacturer had only harsh words for him, “You wicked and lazy servant, you did not use the gifts that I gave you!.”

Do you get the point of the story Calvin Cautious?” the Engineer asked.

“I think so,” Calvin exclaimed.

“Then do something about them Calvin!” the exclaimed, “I hate revoking warranties up here, you know.”

From the time of the creation of mankind, God has entrusted to man the time, wealth and resources of this world as steward of His creation.    Everything we have comes from God and belongs to Him. We are responsible for using those resources so that they will multiply and increase in value that God may be Glorified.

The profitable stewards were praised, given increased responsibilities and invited to enter into the joy of their Lord. They were rewarded for their work and faithfulness.

American Philosopher William James wisely observed, that, “compared to what we ought to be, we are only half awake…we are making use of only a small part of our mental and physical resources.”

(An Adaptation from Og Mandino's University of Success)