MATTHEW 25:14-30 – New Living Translation
14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver[a] to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last, dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.
16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.
19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’
21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together![b]’
22 “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’
23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’
26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’
28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
We just read the beautiful story of the servants and their talents. What an honor for these servants to be given these talents by their master. Two of them put their talents (abilities) to work, while one, out of fear and ungratefulness, buried his. Now, talents can refer to various God-given gifts, abilities, or skills that we are called to use for God’s glory. The fact that it is “God-given” already shows that a certain degree of accountability is required. Many of us are like that third servant. We have these gifts, but fear has gripped our hearts. Perhaps you fear that you are not enough, or you are ungrateful to God, or you find yourself comparing yourself to others. I do understand you because I have been there.
For a while, I buried that assignment God gave me. I lived in fear of not being enough or my abilities being too much. Sometimes I even got phrases like “Show off”, and procrastination began to set in. I was forgetting that what God had placed in my hands was the beginning of greater things to unfold. I ignored the fact that I would one day give an account to God. This was just a trick of the enemy to steal my seed and harvest.
The scripture, later on in verses 28-30, tells us the outcome of that servant. To those who use well what’s in their hands, even more will be given. This serves as a reminder that our actions or inactions have consequences. Think about the gifts you possess; whether they are artistic, compassionate, analytical, or practical, each one of us has been uniquely equipped to contribute to the world in a way only we can.
Have you ever had a situation where a particular idea was impressed in your heart and you sat on it only to find out later that someone was actually doing the same thing? Yes, my dearest, it has happened to me too, and I was heartbroken, but that’s how God works. Just as the master asked for the talents to be taken from the third servant and given to the one with 10 talents, God, our master, too, takes unused abilities, ideas, and so on, and gives them to those who step up to the call.
What is in your hands? The Master has a need for it. Do not bury that gift or ability. Put it to work! If you need to learn to perfect that skill, do it. Invest the time in honing your craft, seeking training, or erasing any self-doubt that hinders you. Connect with mentors or engage with communities that can encourage you to grow.
Imagine when the master returns. Will you present Him with the fruits of your labor, showcasing progress and transformation? Will you have stories and examples of how you have used your talents wisely? Only then will more be given and not just for your benefit, but to bless others around you.
How can you have the nations if you do not start with your neighborhood? Each small step you take can have a ripple effect. Starting local may seem less glamorous, but it is often the most impactful. Connecting with those immediately around you is vital; your gifts can spark change, inspire love, and bring hope in ways you might not yet realize. The call to stewardship over our gifts is urgent. Embrace it, for there is much work to be done, and your talents are essential in fulfilling that mission.
Arise and shine!!!!
Let your light so shine before all men that they may see your good work and glorify God in you!!!
PS: FROM A PLACE CALLED LOVE ❤️
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