The Weighted Gift

For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Matthew 25:14-15

The Creator created beautiful and amazing talents, and He placed them within each one of us. From the day we were born they sat quietly, waiting to be discovered, and once discovered, they longed to be used. Every single person has been gifted by God in this respect, not just Christians, and we don’t have to look very far to see the truth of this – the stage and screen, the world of sport, the National Gallery, etc., each showing off an array of talent. I also saw a lot of wonderful talent on display at a recent arts & crafts fair. There were beautiful handmade items for sale from soap to chopping boards, sweet treats to home brews. Stall after stall of eager sellers, each wanting to show their talent through their craft.

Although the talents that are mentioned in Matthew 25 refer to coins (1 silver talent = 3000 shekels), the weight of what was given was tailored to the person receiving it. Likewise, the talents given to us by God are tailor-made for each individual. It is then our responsibility to make the best use of what has been gifted and entrusted to us by investing in it (or them).

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them… Romans 12:6

The master in the story, gave a portion of his own property to those serving him. Two of the servants understood the responsibility they had been given and invested their time and energy into making a profitable return – not for themselves, but for the master. The third servant, however, was weighed down by fear and did nothing with the gift except hide it.

When we invest in what God has given us, we have the potential to increase its worth, not for our own glory, but for His.

Don’t hide the gift God has given, for He also gave the ability that goes with it – so use it well, in service for Him.