The Parable of the Talents
Read: Matthew 25:14-30
Our Gifts and Callings Are Without Repentance
The Parable of the Talents presents a man who gave talents to three of his servants, and their use of the talents while the master was away. Upon the master’s return, two were rewarded for their wise use of their talents. Unfortunately, the one individual who was given the least responsibility did nothing with what he had. His outcome was sad.
This is how it is with us who are given talents or abilities to work for the Lord. Several passages in the Bible present gifts that the Holy Ghost empowers. In 1 Corinthians 12:8-11, we find the words of wisdom, knowledge and faith; gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:28 tells us that God has placed apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, healings, helps, government and diversities of tongues in the church. In Romans 12:6-8, we find prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhorting, giving, leadership, and mercy. Ephesians 4:11 discusses apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. And in 1 Peter 4:11, we find speakers and ministers.
When we summarize and combine the various lists, we should see apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, ministers, leaders, givers, exhorters, speakers, and helps in the church. There should be those who work miracles, prophesy and heal the sick. Some should be able to share a word of wisdom, knowledge or faith. Others should be able to discern spirits, show great mercy, speak in different kinds of tongues and interpret those tongues.
God has loaded His church with spiritual gifts and talents for the edification and building of the body of Christ. We also know that some individuals are endowed with natural talents such as singing, playing musical instruments, writing, sewing, and many other works of arts and crafts. When these natural gifts and talents are yielded to God and empowered by the Holy Ghost they greatly enhance the body of Christ.
We are all responsible for using whatever gifts or talents that God has given us for His glory and honor. Will He be pleased with what you have done with the gifts and talents that He gave you? We must not let jealousy of another’s gifts, pride about our own gift or even false humility prevent us from doing what God has called each of us to do. Let us all commit to giving God the best that we can with what He has given us. He deserves it and He expects it.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for choosing me for the work that You have given me to do. I realize that everything that I have and own came from You and my heartfelt desire is to be a blessing to others and to give your gifts back to You in a manner that is pleasing to You. Use me for Your glory and Your honor and never for my own. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.
