Scripture Reading(s)
Matthew 25:14-30
25:14 “For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them;
25:15 to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.
25:16 The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents.
25:17 In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents.
25:18 But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
25:19 After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them.
25:20 Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’
25:21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
25:22 And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’
25:23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
25:24 Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed;
25:25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’
25:26 But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter?
25:27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest.
25:28 So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents.
25:29 For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.
25:30 As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Reflections
God gives each and every one of us gifts and talents that we are to use to glorify Him. As Christians we are each given a type of skill that we can use and when we use that gift to help further the kingdom of God, it helps draw us closer to serving God rather then serving ourselves.
The point of this passage is not focused on a financial gain. It is concentrating on using what we are given with practical wisdom and discernment. God does not reward laziness and selfishness. For the person who has a position to help others whether it is financially, socially or spiritually, God expects us to have a heart to reach out to others and not focus on our own needs.
For the Christian, being wise and fruitful with what God has given us paints a picture of where our hearts truly lie. When we think to use our talents and skills to help others we exemplify Christ living in our hearts. Pursue working hard and being useful for the glory of God. He has placed you where you are for a reason, trust that He will use whatever position you are in to help further His kingdom.