Theme: Making the most of our talents in the work of God
Text: “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several abilities; and straightway took his journey.” – Matthew 25:14,15.
Comment: In the parable of the talents as recorded in Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus Christ emphasized the importance of making full use of the gifts allotted us by God. The parable shows that the gifts God gives to his worshippers are not equal. They are given according to the grace of God on the individual. But when one’s talent is fully utilized, they serve to glorify God and bring joy to men and honour to the individual blessed with such talents. Indeed the Bible says: “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” (Proverbs 18:16) However, the person who has fewer gifts should not envy him who has received more and vice versa.
Some may not even make use of what has been given them, not because they did not recognize their talents or lacked the opportunity to use them but because they despised or toyed with it. But since the Lord’s work must go on, He will give the talent to those willing to work that they may abound more and more. It has been said that “A buried talent is never a buried treasure. Talents become treasures only through use” and that ”concealed talent brings no reputation”. In his letter to Timothy Apostle Paul enjoined him thus: “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.” – 1 Timothy 4:14, 15.