Lessons from the Parable of the Talents

In the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus shared the powerful story of a rich man who, before leaving on a journey, committed his assets to his three servants. The expectation? Invest and multiply.

If you are familiar with the parable, you will remember that the first two servants invested their assets, doubled their gain and were rewarded by their master.

The third servant unfortunately was disingenuous but his action was not without consequence.

As we read this story again earlier this week at family devotion, the Holy Spirit ministered a number of life lessons to us, some of which I’d like to share in this post.

We don’t OWN anything

In this life, all we have in terms of resources, abilities, time, people, you name it, have been entrusted to our care. We don’t own anything. This truth should rid us of pride.

Stewards are accountable to the Owner of all things — GOD (Psalm 24:1).

Just like the three servants, God has entrusted us with His assets (Spirit, presence, love, gifts, resources, etc.) so that we can bring Him glory and for our ultimate joy in Him.

Don’t act like you can live without Him. We are eternally beholden to Him and what He demands is our humble obedience and treasuring of His Son (Jesus Christ) in our lives above all else.

What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? — 1 Corinthians 4:7

God is NOT unfaithful

A talent wasn’t small change. It was a monetary unit worth about twenty years’ wages for a labourer. Read that again and slowly…

When next you read this story and think the third servant wasn’t given a fair chance like others, remember the value of a talent.

God is not unfaithful. He gave each servant according to their strength, ability and capacity because he knew them individually. To each, He was graciously generous.

The question isn’t why hasn’t God blessed you with more but what have you done with what you consider ‘little’ already in your hands? What have you done with your talent?

To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability — Matthew 25:15

We must be faithful

When we follow the Master’s order, we get to avoid so many unnecessary hardships we encounter in life. Knowing their master, the rule was clear to them — what you receive, you invest and multiply.

The first two servants did exactly that but the third servant hid his talent in the ground. Too often, we condition ourselves to do right when others are watching and applauding. We forget there’s ONE always watching and taking stock.

Don’t forget that your primary responsibility as a steward for Christ is to be faithful with all that God has put in your hands and heart.

Are you investing God’s resources into those you encounter? Are you representing Christ where you are? Are you making Him known everywhere you show up (including on social media)? Or have you dug your talent in the ground?

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful — 1 Corinthians 4:2

The Master isn’t gone forever

Jesus is coming back again very soon. The Master isn’t gone forever. Never forget that.

In His first coming, He laid down His life to ransom sinners and redeem us from sin to righteousness. Then he gave us a mandate to occupy till He comes.

But He’s coming again; this time, to settle accounts with everyone of us. And it won’t be long from now. Are you ready?

Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ — Luke 19:13

How will your story end?

The end of the parable makes for deep, sober reflection. While the two servants who went about their master’s business faithfully were rewarded with the eternal joy of their master, the slothful servant had nothing but eternal condemnation.

How will your story end? It’s in your hands. What will you write? It’s in your hands.

I don’t ever want to hear those words ‘worthless servant!” when I face my Master. And you don’t either. So let us rise and go about our Father’s business faithfully.

Put away the noise that have drowned/is drowning your spiritual sensitivities on social media, in the community and even in church.

Face your assignment — invest your talents, make gain for Christ and reap the promised eternal rewards of the Master’s joy.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us — Hebrews 12:1

Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash.