Is the Lord Too Hard?

In the parable of the talents, the servant who had received one talent declared, “Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground…” (Mt. 25:24-25). The term presented here as hard can also be translated as rough or harsh. Luke’s parable of the ten minas uses the word “austere” (Lk. 19:21). Is the Lord too hard on us? Some people undoubtedly think that God requires too much or that He is unfeeling toward their struggles as a harsh master. However, we gain perspective and better understanding when we dig into what the Scriptures reveal about our God’s character.

There can be no doubt that our God is rich in mercy and compassion. It is due to these attributes in the Lord that we are not immediately punished for sinfulness (Lam. 3:22-23; Eph. 2:4-7). Thinking of Jesus specifically, He has done everything possible to save us from our sins (Jn. 3:16; Lk. 19:10). The will of the Father is that each one would be saved (2 Pet. 3:9; 1 Tim. 2:3-4). Even still, we should not assume that God's desire to save man would nullify His just nature. God will not abide sin (Psa. 34:15-16; Hab. 1:13; 2 Thess. 1:8). What’s more, the same context as John 3:16 holds this message: “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (Jn. 3:18-19). God’s gracious attitude toward us does not constitute a license for sinful deeds (Rom. 6:1-2).

The things which God requires of us are the natural extension of His love for us. It would be unloving to condone our staying in darkness. God’s great care is seen in Christ’s blood shed for us and His continuing blessings to promote our growth and spiritual development. All that we must be is provided for in His divine equipment and modeled in Christ’s perfect example (2 Cor. 5:18-21; Eph. 6:13; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Pet. 2:21)! In this we are empowered to live up to the Heavenly call (Eph. 3:20-21; Col. 1:29). We can be holy even as our God is holy (Lev. 11:44; 1 Pet. 1:15-16). We walk worthy of the gospel which we are blessed to carry and uphold (Eph. 4:1; Php. 1:27).

It is true that God is hard and rigid when it comes to His commands. We cannot persuade God to alter His attitude on sin. He will not change His ruling on good and evil to accommodate us. However, this does not mean He isn’t caring, merciful, and kind. We must choose to approach Him through our Lord Christ and submit to His will, acknowledging our dependence on Him. Throughout the ages, mankind’s needs have been simple—to trust and obey God. May we realize the blessings available from our Lord and the purpose for His requirements of us!