Matthew 25 - Parable of the Talents

In verses 14–30 Jesus discusses the Parable of the Talents, that is, the giving of resources to servants (us) to produce for the master (God). In the parable, two of the servants took the talents and multiplied them into more for the master. To them was said, 21"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

The other servant took the talent and buried it, not using it to produce anything. The master called him a 26 “wicked, lazy servant!”, then took the talent from him and gave it to the servant who produced many. Since the servant would not use what the master gave him, he was punished for his wickedness and laziness while the servant who produced was given more.

29For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 30And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

This perfectly illustrates the gifts that God gives us and what we should do with them. It might be money, as in the parable, or it could be knowledge, abilities, opportunities, etc. We have a choice to use these talents for the service of our Lord, to disciple and produce more disciples for His kingdom OR use them for our own purposes or not at all.

But remember, there will be a time when we must face the master and give an account of what we have done with what was given. We can produce more for God’s kingdom (thru ministries, witnessing, giving, support, creating disciples) and be rewarded with abundance in Heaven. Or we can be selfish, using our talents and abilities for our own gain (personal glory, wealth, recognition, etc.) or not at all (refusing to do anything), and be cast out into Hell. Don’t say, “I don’t have any talents” or “I don’t have anything I can use for God”, that is an excuse that won’t hold up. There is always something you can do to glorify God. He has given something to us all! If you need help finding them, your local church ministries are a great place to start. Remember, as shown in this parable, indecision is still a decision, we will all be held accountable.

Are you using your talents as the Master intended? If not, don’t delay, for we know not when He returns!