The Best He Could

T. B. Larimore (1843-1922), is quoted as saying, “When my hand is still, my tongue silent and my eyes closed; when friends come to look on my pale face, l want them to be able to say, at least, ‘He did the best he could.”’ Jesus told a parable in which one man failed to do the best he could (Matthew 25:14-30). Three men each with differing abilities were given talents. One received five talents, another two, and the last, one. Those who had received five and two talents increased their capital. Each was praised by his lord, “well done, thou good and faithful servant.” The one talent man was a different story. He failed to gain any more talents for his lord. When the lord returned he was rebuked, “Thou wicked and slothful servant.” He was cast into outer darkness. He had failed to give his best. The point…