In the Parable of the Talent, a master gave three of his servants a set amount of money. He asked them to manage it (according to their abilities) while he was on a journey. When the master returned, he asked for an account of what they did with their talents. Each servant was judged accordingly.
I’ve read this parable before and focused simply on the talent. I mainly related it to what we are to do with our God-given, natural abilities. Recently, I began to think about it more carefully.
Three variables shaped their outcomes:
- Time: For a start, they were given time. Although the length is undefined, they knew their master would be away. They were to use their time to make the best use of the talents they’d received.
- Money: Next, they were given a resource. Each of them received different amounts of money to use.
- Talent: Finally, they were to use the natural abilities they had.
If we take the three servants and see the results, two of them doubled what was given to them; consequently, they received a good reward. In contrast, the third servant did nothing and also received a reward. It wasn’t favorable, however, because he had nothing to show for what he did while his master was away.
Each of the three servants received the same opportunity from their master. He entrusted them to use what he gave them. In the same way, we’ve also been given those three things: time, money, and talents.
I want to learn from the mistakes the third servant made. He received something to start with. But, he didn’t see the good he could do with it, so he gave into fear. He did nothing. The other two capitalized on their talents.
How are you using your time, money and talents to bring glory to God?
Ask Yourself These Three Questions:
- Where do I spend my time?
- When it comes to money, what has my heart?
- How am I using my talents or abilities?
Compare your answers to the three servants. The first two understood the importance of using what they had for their master. Do your answers line up with what Jesus has for you? Or, are you burying your time, money, and your God-given abilities in the world? In other words, are you seeing the value of investing in eternal things?
Learning with you —
Posted in A Word from the Pastor