Use your talent

One of Jesus' more hard-hitting stories is the parable of the talents, in Matthew 25:14-29. It tells of a man who trusted his servants with his property; and most of them looked after the talents they were given by doubling what they'd received. A 'talent' was an amount of currency, like a 'dollar'. All good. But, one told his boss: 'I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground' (Matthew 25:25 NKJV). In response he is called a 'wicked and lazy servant' (Matthew 25:26 NKJV). The story ends with the servant being sacked and punished.

Harsh? It may seem so on the surface, but if we dig a little deeper we'll see the point Jesus is trying to drive home. The servant told his boss he was afraid. He was afraid to take a risk with the gift he had been given. He was afraid of how his master would react if he failed, so he didn't even try.

God's pretty keen for us to develop the gifts he's given each of us, especially the gift of himself. By spending time with him, and stepping out of our comfort zone to share him with others, we're investing in his Kingdom. To not do so is a wasted opportunity to introduce people to a wonderful God who saves and loves them.



So what now? Comfort-zone testing time. Today, ask God to meet someone's needs. Better still, if you can, step out and ask that person if you can meet with them to pray for their situation. Use your God-given talents.





— SCRIPTURE —

'I was afraid...hid your talent in the ground.' Matthew 25:25 NKJV
— SOULFOOD —

2 Ki 21-23, Luke 16:1-18, Ps 135, Pro 7:21-23