I ran across this quote from Ben Franklin the other day, but it struck a chord with me beyond its conventional wisdom. When I read the part that says "well done" I was reminded of the parable of the bags of gold from Matthew.
The parable describes a man who was going away and so he entrusted his bags of gold to his servants. He gives them different amounts since he knows they have different abilities, and two of them use the gold to earn more gold (I assume they called Cash4Gold), while one of them simply safeguards his bag of gold by burying it.
When the master returns, he commends the two servants who earned more gold for him by saying "Well done, good and faithful servant!", while condemning the other for not returning a profit.
The story of course is an allegory of Jesus' departure and return. He has given us all gifts to use to bring others into His kingdom and His promise, and when He returns for us he will welcome those who have used their gifts by saying "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Those who squander their time here will instead be called "...wicked, lazy servant[s]!"
What is being commended? Action! Jesus will say "Well done," not "Well said", so it's important that we act out our faith and perform good works for Him. Good works will not earn your salvation, but they are the fruits of your salvation, and as Matthew also said, "You will recognize them by their fruits."
As you interact with people, just remember the parable and that "Well done is better than well said."
Well said....lol
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