Theme: Making the most of our talents in the work of God
Introduction
The word “talent” is defined by Webster’s Dictionary to be “the natural endowments of the person; a certain special, often creative or artistic attitude, general intelligence or mental power”. The Holy Bible represents the church as a vineyard, planted, defended, cultivated, and watered by God. (Isaiah 27:2,3; Psalm 80:8) In one of his parables (Matthew 21:33) our Lord compares his Church to a vineyard which “a certain householder planted, and hedged roundabout,” and let it out to people to work therein. But those given the grace to work there for their sustenance were unfaithful and hostile to those the householder sent to check on them. When his patience had run out, of course, he took action and punished the ingrates, and let out the farm to other people. Those empowered by God to work for Him must do so with faith, humility, and diligence, lest they lose the opportunity. – Acts 13:46-48.
Text: “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” – Psalm 27: 4
Comment: Those who are diligent and honest in their service to the Lord will receive His approval and will thus be protected from the tribulations of this age unto life eternal. Hence the Psalmist added in verse 5 of Psalm 27: “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.” In another of his inspired songs, the Prophet David declared: “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” – Psalm 84:10-12
The declaration by King David that he would rather be a door keeper in the house of God shows willingness to do what would generally be regarded as mean work in the service of God. But he would be more meaningfully engaged than to spend that time in ungodly activity. There is no service or contribution that is not useful as it is such faithful works that will earn one salvation by the grace of God. – Ephesians 6:6-8; Colossians 3:23-25.