In Matthew chapter 25, Jesus relates the parable of the talents. A talent then was a great deal of money. One received five, another two and another one. When their master returned to see what they had done, he found the first two had been faithful and worked hard to improve their lot. The third responded thus:

"And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth:" (verse 25)

Let us not be afraid. Let us go and do as the Lord has commanded us. Let us use the gifts he has given us, exercising faith to act and minister to the needs of others. If we set aside our fear, we will be blessed as we build on our faith to serve the Lord and his children.