This sermon launches a series on faithfulness for 2026, exploring what it means to be faithful servants in God's kingdom through Jesus' Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. The message emphasizes that faithfulness—not perfection—is what God desires from His people. Pastor Joel unpacks the difference between faithful and unfaithful servants, revealing that unfaithfulness often stems from misunderstanding God's heart and allowing fear to control our lives rather than burying our God-given gifts in fear. True faithfulness requires personally knowing God's heart, replacing unhealthy fear with the healthy fear (reverence) of the Lord, and actively using the gifts God has entrusted to us. The sermon challenges believers to examine what fears are paralyzing them and what gifts they have buried, calling them to trust and sweet surrender to God's purposes.