Talents

There a few ideas in the parable of the talents that I, at times, need to remind myself of. First, that God gives the talents. I haven't earned nor have I merited the talents that He, in His sovereign love and wisdom, has decided to give me to "invest" in the kingdom work. (Neither have you). They are His gift to me. In addition, it is not that He needs the five talent guy or the two talent guy more than He needs the one talent guy. They are all three necessary--essential--in order for the kingdom to prosper to its fullest measure. Paul, in fact, tells us that the one talent servant--the least--is the most vital "clog" in the spiritual success of God's ministry on earth . (As always, we get a lot of things backward, don't we?) Also, God does not demand or expect the one talent servant to produce five talent results. He just expects that His servants use the talents He has given them to the best of their ability. And the talents are not for the exultation of the servant but for the completeness of the kingdom work. The talents God has given do not make anyone special--just accountable. And the accountability is the same for everyone--use them. What talents has the Master given you? Have you thanked Him? Have you put them to use in the furtherance of the kingdom? Do you give Him all the glory? Do you in humility recognize that your talents are dependent on His other servants using their talents for His glory? Are you then an encourager, an edifier, or do you see yourself as a competitor in the expansion of His work? Do you use your talents to draw attention to yourself--that's called idolatry? Do you covet someone else's talents in essence telling God that He doesn't know what He's doing when He assigns responsibilities? Coveting is idolatry, too, you know? Do you downplay the vital necessity of your talent being used effectively for His work? Each and every servant's work is essential.

Talents. Gifts. Strengths. Whatever you want to call them. God gives such to every servant. And every servant is expected to "invest" them wisely with all their strength and for His glory. Get busy. And don't become weary of doing well.

The reward? "Well done, good and faithful servant."