I cannot fail to draw a conclusion about this parable that relates to the secondary motivation for obedience and faithfulness. That's fear. It's not the primary motivation, but sometimes we need to haul ourselves up short rather than give in to temptation out of fear of God. Sometimes we need to use our talents for fear of being reprimanded if we do not.
Better always, we resist temptation and use our gifts faithfully because we love and trust in God. But this is a good reminder that we are to fear God as well. So we say, "We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things." This is most certainly true!
