A few months ago, I lost a dear friend and mentor of mine. His unexpected passing was one that stirred up a multitude of emotions within my spirit. Having spent these last few months processing, I’ve seen how his legacy has shaped the way in which I now live. In fact, I was reminded of his impact when I heard an upcoming UpWords feature in which Max Lucado reminds listeners of the well-known passage, found in Matthew 25:23, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Simon, was by far, the most thoughtful and generous man I’ve ever met. He was known for intentionally drawing out God-given gifts in others. His genuine and consistent encouragement still rings in my ear, how often he would tell me: “Hannah, well done.”
As I think back on this phrase, I can only imagine that he was told something similar upon meeting our Savior: “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Matthew 25:23).
What praise that must have been! I know this is ultimately what he lived to hear. Because he has heard these triumphal words, I am confident Simon would, with even greater enthusiasm, remind me to live for eternal glory. Similar to the encouragement of my dear friend, Max reminds listeners daily, that God has given each of us gifts, according to our unique abilities. As Max often says, “use your uniqueness to take great risks for God.” And when we do, what a day that will be, when we too hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
