….And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his ability; and immediately he went on a journey  (Mt.25:15)

Last week we talked about the importance of discovering our talents and putting them to use for God’s glory. Before then, we had said that our natural abilities are part of what makes us unique as individuals. We had also said that the more we look for opportunities to put these special abilities to use, the more God increases that grace upon our lives.  This Biblical principle of Increase is totally contrary to the principles of the worldly system where we abide. For instance, the  Law of diminishing returns in the study of Economics  is a clear example of this fact. The economic law affirms that anything used repeatedly will loose its value over time. On the other hand, God’s Word declares that the more we diligently put to use what has been placed in our hands, the more He  increases its value and worth, and the more He blesses us in return.

The passage above, is from one of the parables the Lord Jesus Christ told His disciples while teaching them about the Kingdom of heaven. He told the story of a certain rich man who in preparing to travel to a far country had empowered each of his three servants with different amount of talents. The talent in Bible days was an ancient unit of  currency. (It is said to be about an equivalent of one thousand dollars in our present days). He had given one servant five talents, another two and the last servant one talent. The bible says the determinant of what he gave each servant, was the ability each one possessed…..to each according to his ability…... In essence, the master had looked at the make up of each of his servants and knew what each one of them could handle, and divide the resources to each person based on this.

On his return the one with five had traded with his to earn another five and the one with two had also doubled his. However, the one with the single talent had refused to do anything with his, rather he had allowed himself to be ruled by fear, and  had gone to bury the talent. This attitude provoked the wrath of his master who referred to him as a …..wicked and lazy servant……. He then asked that what he had be collected from him and given to the one with ten talents, and the servant was severely punished for his laziness (Mt.25:30)

Although this parable relates to money, its principle is applicable in the use of our natural abilities. Lessons learnt from the parable include:

-God will only give us what He knows we are capable of  handling. The fact that someone else seems to be more multi-talented than you is not an issue. Celebrate what you have, and rejoice in what you can do.
- For every ability we have been given, God expects an increase. The increase will come, you  as we put it to use. In essence, use what you have, then improve on what you can do and strive to get better at it day after day
-If you use what God has given you, you are bound to gain more. On the other hand, If you fail to use what you have, you will lose what you think you have
-God is joyful and happy when we increase and multiply what He has placed in our hands….He told the wise servants ……Enter into the joy of your Lord….(Mt.25:21,23)
-Refuse to be ruled by fear in the exercise of your gifts. Fear has torment, the Bible says. It incapacitates a person, holds him in bondage and keeps him stagnant. Do not listen to the voice of fear, but of faith. Be bold and go forth by faith in the name of the Lord!

I pray that the God of heaven will cause faith to arise in your heart, and that as you faithfully put to use what He has placed inside you, you will reap a bountiful harvest in Jesus name. May His words to us on the last day be……Well done good and faithful servant……..Enter into the joy of your Lord, in Jesus name. Amen.