I was led to read the Parable of Talents in Matthew chapter 25 this morning. I prayed for wisdom and understanding and believe I understand my current life's situation very well now. There is an opportunity for me to be promoted if I accept the position. My fear is being promoted and not having enough time for the two most important things in my life -- worship / prayer time and my family.
I spent last week praying for guidance and believe that God is leading me to take the promotion, even though I don't want it. Isn't that crazy? Who would not want more money and opportunity? Well, I don't. What I do want is to be in the will of God. I want the job He send me and I know that it doesn't matter how much money I make, because I will always have more than enough. My cup will always run over and my run over is the blessing for others. I am assured of that and thank God for the revelation of His mercy and grace in my life, family and work.
My talents may be spiritual gifts and leadership abilities to encourage, exhort and build up the kingdom of God. If I truly have these talents, I should not hide them like the last servant in the parable or run from my call (like Jonah). I should face my fears and take on the challenge the Lord has presented before me and watch Him do a work in me and the people I will serve as their leader.
Parable of the Talents – Meaning --by http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/
The master gave a considerable amount of money to each servant, in keeping with the servant’s abilities. The first two servants were faithful to care for their master’s money. They were rewarded accordingly. The third servant lacked faith and the master saw this as worthlessness. He lost what he had and was punished.
From the passage above, we conclude that God gives talents to every person. These talents vary from person to person. However, we have to give account of these gifts to their owner.
Since Jesus was referring to the Kingdom of God in the parable, we learn that our lives are not ours to live according to our wishes. We owe our lives and wealth to God! As Christians, we are waiting for the return of Jesus Christ to earth. We are like those stewards, faithfully using our Master’s assets while waiting for His return.
Jesus has commissioned us to reach the world with the Gospel till He returns. This includes using our talents to venture out into the unknown with faith. Our aim is to prosper the Kingdom! Most of the time, however, we tend to look for excuses when the tide is rough. We forget that the Lord has given us talents fit for the work! He knows whether you’d be faithful with little or more.
The two servants that used their talents wisely received similar greetings but not rewards. For their faithfulness, they were both commended. I believe this is the highpoint of the parable. It separated those that used their talents wisely, irrespective of the profits made, from the third servant, who disobeyed simple instructions of the master.
Seeing the parable of the talents from the angle of faithfulness to the Master teaches that God’s kingdom is accomplished, not merely with talents, money, or education, but with simple obedience.
