Matthew 25:14 – 30 is the parable of talents. To the two servants who had used their talents usefully the Master said “Well done good and faithful servant, you have been faithful (fruitful) with a few things …”
In this story God views faithfulness in terms of fruitfulness. There are three points to pay attention to when reading the parable.
1. God entrusts us with talents
Because God gives us all the talents, everything belongs to him. We are stewards over the talents. We can do this in our everyday life. It is not necessary to become fulltime servant of God, but it is important we serve God fully where-ever we are. Using one’s talents is question of attitude.
There is no point comparing your talents to someone else’s, neither there is point to focus on what one does not have. Focus on what you have and make most of it because it has been given to you by God. 1 Corinthians 12:11 says that the Holy Spirit gives different gifts “to each one just as he determines.”
All talents are to be used for the blessing of the church, and churches in most cases already have all they need, it is just that members of the church and the pastor should ask God to open up their eyes to see how the gifts that people have could be put in use.
2. God gives us the responsibility to serve with out talents
To be trusted with talents is an honour and a privilege. This is how the two servants, who used their talents well, viewed the talents. They were excited about their talents and put them in full use for the benefit of the body of Christ. However, the third servant regarded the talent as a burden, as if God had put pressure on him. He regarded God as demanding and judgmental – he had a wrong image of God. To use one’s talents is not a burden but a joy. To serve Jesus brings joy.
So when you recognise your talents, make good use of them. Colossians 3:17 says that “And whatever you do , whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to god the Father through him.” This does not only apply to what you do in church but also your work life, family life … start using your talents now. If you start small it will grow – this is the principle of the mustard seed. God will use you when you want to be in use.
In order to use your talents well you have to pay attention to your use of time. You have to set right priorities, and you have to think what God can do. You cannot be fruitful if you dwell in past setbacks and bitterness. Like Joseph, you have to put behind all your troubles to be fruitful. Genesis 42: 50 – 52.
3. God will hold us accountable for our stewardship
God is interested in the quality of your ministry. The positive way to think about the stewardship is to think that those who are faithful will be rewarded. (1 Corinthians 3:10 – 15). You are responsible for the use of talents, but this responsibility is not a burden but a privilege.
To be a good steward you must die to your self-centredness (John 12:24), seek for opportunities to serve others, believe in Jesus (John 14:12) and ask His help (John 15:7). Many will come to know Christ (Acts 2:41).